Headsets, anybody use them?

BigJoe

BigJoe

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Over the last couple of days we have noticed several boats berthing, where the skipper and crew were wearing headsets for communication while coming in alongside.

I always prefer the shouting method, but now SWMBA seems to think they are top of our winter wishlist.
 
I bought a pair of Eartec Ultralites for my wife's birthday after a minor domestic from mooring in high winds after a long day. They have transformed our mooring, anchoring, working up the mast and leaving a raft early in the morning when others are sleeping. It makes such a difference to converse easily in a quiet voice. In retrospect I realise how much tension was simply caused by having to raise one's voice to be heard, especially if not heard the first time. In the US they call them 'marriage savers'. I wouldn't go that far but they are some of the best kit we have bought for sailing.
 
James_Calvert said:
Interesting...

But what happens when you raise your voice for someone not wearing one, does your partner get deafened?
Click to expand...

Hmm ... that doesn't seem to happen. Partly because we sail as a couple but also because you stay very aware of the equipment and the microphone can be quickly rotated away from the mouth if you want to shout. It's the same as if you are speaking into a mobile phone and want to call out to someone - you naturally move the phone away. (Or most people do ...)
 
Yes, find them very useful from time to time (up the mast, and most things to do with the anchor). Just saves shouting.
 
James_Calvert said:
Interesting...

But what happens when you raise your voice for someone not wearing one, does your partner get deafened?
Click to expand...

Has only been an issue a couple of times, once when my wife saw someone she knew a couple of pontoons away and decided to shout a greeting and also when I've sneezed. Its an irritation but nothing damaging. Easy enough to put a hand over the mike as said above.
 
With Jane's hearing detiorating fairly rapidly I'm seriously considering something along these lines. Preferably not silly money, recommendations?
 
Bru said:
With Jane's hearing detiorating fairly rapidly I'm seriously considering something along these lines. Preferably not silly money, recommendations?
Click to expand...

If there's a problem with hearing, might I suggest sign language or lip reading classes? Electrical equipment has a habit of dying (as do hearing aids). The first two will also keep the mind sharp (for both of you).
 
Luminescent said:
If there's a problem with hearing, might I suggest sign language or lip reading classes? Electrical equipment has a habit of dying (as do hearing aids). The first two will also keep the mind sharp (for both of you).
Click to expand...

Fair comment and we do indeed use a certain amount of hand signals but none of the above works when madam has her back turned to me and at present she insists on doing the deck work (all 8 stone of her) with me on the helm because helming makes her very nervous even in open water, let alone the confines of a marina

I doubt me she will ever have the confidence to helm the boat alongside a pontoon although a mooring buoy maybe

Her hearing is poor but not (yet) so bad as to need hearing aids but getting her attention is the major problem followed by my having to bellow questions and requests (aka instructions that may be carried out if the recipient feels so inclined :D)
 
I have a pair of V6 Bluetooth motorcycle/referee sets

You need two of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/Headphone-...ree+bluetooth+intercom&qid=1568655334&sr=8-26

Then you need two of the ear pieces that hook over the ear such as these https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vnetphone-...eree+bluetooth+intercom&qid=1568655522&sr=8-7

Do not make the mistake of buying the kit for motorcycle helmets thinking that you ear piece for you mobile might work. It won't.

They are great for mast work and for avoiding shouting when mooring stern to in Greek harbours

TudorSailor
 
BigJoe said:
Over the last couple of days we have noticed several boats berthing, where the skipper and crew were wearing headsets for communication while coming in alongside.

I always prefer the shouting method, but now SWMBA seems to think they are top of our winter wishlist.
Click to expand...

If there are just two of you and want something for occasional use, we found a pair of standard phone bluetooth headsets work fine. For example https://www.halfords.com/technology/bluetooth-car-kits/bluetooth-car-kits/halfords-bluetooth-headset?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istFeedId=367c5610-f937-4c81-8609-f84582324cd6&istItemId=xmlittplm&istBid=t&_$ja=tsi&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=skimlinks_phg&utm_campaign=phgreferral

Assuming you both have a mobile (they can be left in the cabin) you make a mobile call to your partner, then, on ours, its a double press of the earpiece to recall the last number.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk
 
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Thought about it initially, but couldn't find suitable ones that were truly waterproof and didn't cost a fortune. Meanwhile we don't need them anymore as we've worked out hand signals and done the jobs often enough for it to be routine and require little communications.

Added benefit, the anchoring hand signals also work when I'm in the water (usually swimming above the anchor, either watching it set or having just helped it set in difficult bottoms by jamming the tip under the Posidonia roots or rolling it into a nearby patch of sand). The headset probably wouldn't cope too well with that.
 
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