Headsets, anybody use them?

grumpy_o_g; I really struggle to see the need for headsets on anything below 23 metres and can't help wonder what happens if the headset fails said:
From one grump to another, never had them either but sometimes wish I had.
We were 16+ metres oal. 20 metres to the top of the mast and it often went something like this.

SHMBO=How much chain have we out? Me= 40 metres, SWMBO= I can't hear you? Me with increased decibels=
40 metres, SWMBO= Don't you shout at me !!

I could never win but we are still married.
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grumpygit said:
From one grump to another, never had them either but sometimes wish I had.
We were 16+ metres oal. 20 metres to the top of the mast and it often went something like this.

SHMBO=How much chain have we out? Me= 40 metres, SWMBO= I can't hear you? Me with increased decibels=
40 metres, SWMBO= Don't you shout at me !!

I could never win but we are still married.
Click to expand...

Similar experiences plus avoiding profuse apologies to all in range for my occasionally blue language that with headsets was whispered 'cleat the freakin thing NOW! or from lovely SWMBO ' I told you I don't do freakin jumps go out and start again' whispers and smiles much nicer.
 
grumpygit said:
From one grump to another, never had them either but sometimes wish I had.
We were 16+ metres oal. 20 metres to the top of the mast and it often went something like this.

SHMBO=How much chain have we out? Me= 40 metres, SWMBO= I can't hear you? Me with increased decibels=
40 metres, SWMBO= Don't you shout at me !!

I could never win but we are still married.
Click to expand...
16M? Hell, we have the same issue on 7.3M! Definitely in the market for something, but on a budget, suitable for a wally rather than a Wally
 
grumpy_o_g said:
I really struggle to see the need for headsets on anything below 23 metres and can't help wonder what happens if the headset fails, falls off, someone jumps on your channel (this happens surprising regularly on motorbike systems I've found). Then again I'm old and grumpy...
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In which case I suggest that you don't get any, it's no bother (nor interest) to those who find them convenient and are looking for helpful suggestions.
 
newtothis said:
A cheaper option that uses kit you already have is to use Intercom for Android (probably iOS variants available)
It uses a Bluetooth connection to turn two phones into a pair of walky-talkies. No mobile data used. With bog-standard wireless headphone you can keep phone in pocket or on chart table and chat normally while at opposite ends of the boat/mast.
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Thanks, interesting. I looked at the Intercom for Android app but too many users had problems with it and I just got lots of echoes when I tried it so I will stick with my low cost solution in post number 17.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk
 
Elecglitch said:
In which case I suggest that you don't get any, it's no bother (nor interest) to those who find them convenient and are looking for helpful suggestions.
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I have used them but I suspect my experiences with less than perfect and older kit have tainted my like for them. I have no issue (that sounds pompous but you know what I mean) with anybody using them but I am surprised hand signals aren't more prevalent. On the other hand I'm single now so perhaps that says something too...
 
When anchoring or mooring I use some simple hand signals to my wife in the cockpit.

A beckoning motion towards the bow means come ahead. A sort of pushing away motion means go astern. Hand raised means gearbox in neutral. Crossed arms means stop the engine.

The urgency of the situation is reflected in how vigorously the hand is waved! :rolleyes:
 
Poignard said:
When anchoring or mooring I use some simple hand signals to my wife in the cockpit.

A beckoning motion towards the bow means come ahead. A sort of pushing away motion means go astern. Hand raised means gearbox in neutral. Crossed arms means stop the engine.

The urgency of the situation is reflected in how vigorously the hand is waved! :rolleyes:
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How do you swear?:eek:
 
Hand gestures aren't very helpful when you need both hands on the chain; or one hand on the chain and the other to hold on because it's a bit bumpy.

Besides, when it isn't something important, it's always fun to wind up the grumpies who get their undies in a twist because we aren't doing it the way Noah did ;)
 
Stemar said:
Hand gestures aren't very helpful when you need both hands on the chain; or one hand on the chain and the other to hold on because it's a bit bumpy.

Besides, when it isn't something important, it's always fun to wind up the grumpies who get their undies in a twist because we aren't doing it the way Noah did ;)
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Well it certainly seems to have worked with some of the usual suspects.

PS How do you tell a forum contributor was once a pilot?













A. Wait a couple of posts and he'll tell you (irrespective of relevance to the thread in hand). ;)
 
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