Which phone for sailing?

[Champagne Murphy]

For some time I've had a 'rugged' smart phone (waterproof up to a point etc), a samsung xcover 2, which has been very effective when sailing where its likely to get wet or dropped etc. The downside has been that it has a small operating memory which is heavy with bloatware, so reducing space for useful apps like tides.
I like the flexibility it offers-I don't have to be in wireless range to get the info I need, so when I move on to another model it needs to be just as robust but with more space.

What do others use?

 

[thecommander]

The Sony Xperia Z5, and Z3 are IP68 rated so can be immersed up for up to 30 minutes in fresh (non-saline) water at depths of around 1.5 metres.

 

[markhomer]

Samsung s 6

 

[NPMR]

The Sony Xperia Z5, and Z3 are IP68 rated so can be immersed up for up to 30 minutes in fresh (non-saline) water at depths of around 1.5 metres.

+1

 

[Stemar]

I have a Moto , which is pretty basic, but does the job. It doesn't claim to be waterproof, but I understand it has a coating that keep any moisture that gets in from doing any damage.

Mine lives in an Otterbox knockoff that was a few pound from fleabay and it's been out in heavy rain a good few times and when I've dropped it (regular occurrence) it just bounces - so far :ambivalence:.

It's other advantage is that it comes with a more-or-less plain vanilla version of Android, so plenty of room for apps.

 

[roblpm]

The Sony Xperia Z5, and Z3 are IP68 rated so can be immersed up for up to 30 minutes in fresh (non-saline) water at depths of around 1.5 metres.

Ive got a z2 which is fine. But the screen doesn't work when it gets wet. I haven't tried a phone in a case. Any better?

 

[sailorman]

galaxy s 5 mini & a waterproof enclosure for the dinghy

 

[Woodlouse]

iPhone 5 with a life proof case. I took it swimming a few months back without problems.

 

[[3889]]

I have a z2 (also ip68) and have fallen in the sea with it in my trouser pocket. It still works fine.

 

[Birdseye]

I use the Sony experia z3 which works well and a sensible size. I havent dunked it yet but it is allegedly waterproof. And it has an excellent battery life - I've managed 5 days between charges frequently

I dont try and browse on a phone except in emergency so you might find the screen small. I find the size to be handy. Plus it has an excellent charging cradle which means you dont have to mess with USB sockets even though it has one if you want.

I would recommend it.

 

[KAL]

I use the Sony experia z3 which works well and a sensible size. I havent dunked it yet but it is allegedly waterproof. And it has an excellent battery life - I've managed 5 days between charges frequently

I dont try and browse on a phone except in emergency so you might find the screen small. I find the size to be handy. Plus it has an excellent charging cradle which means you dont have to mess with USB sockets even though it has one if you want.

I would recommend it.

Yup. +1

 

[horatio_nelson]

Another vote for Sony

Their tablets are equally good for ad hoc plotters

 

[Yngmar]

Any phone you like, plus a waterproof bag.

Last phone I saw go splash was the riggers. As he climbed up my mast to adjust the new rig, I saw a white rectangle slip out of his pocket, bounce off my deck once and go over the side. As I was already acclimatized from diving for my forestay clevis pin half an hour before, I went for another swim and fished it back out. It was of course dead (a white iPhone - easier to spot in the mud than a clevis pin!). That was about 3m down, so not sure the Xperia would've survived the dunk, or the bounce. Lesson learnt: Close your pockets, tie your phone on (above bag has a handy strap for that) or just remove it from your pocket before engaging in certain activities.

My phone lives in velcro or zipped pockets when I walk around the marina and in the waterproof bag when sailing. My keys are also on a lanyard clipped to my belt with a cheap alu carabiner. Saved them at least once so far!

 

[prv]

iPhone 6s - in the tray next to the chart table where it can't get wet or bashed

(Time was when I used to get aboard a chartered yacht, turn my phone off, and tuck it down in the bottom of my bag for the week. Seems rather quaint now )

Pete

 

[Gwylan]

Sony Experia z3 compact or the current equivalent. Get a big SD card [ I use a 32 Gb - includes Navionics and a lot of music] and a bump proof cover and lanyard.

Is 'waterproof' but have not imersed it. Resists tomato soup!

Can get 2 full days of heavy use of internet, phone, email. Good for tethering a tablet and getting on the web. With agressive battery management you can extend that battery life, but will charge from a 12v socket so not really a problem.

Use 3 use your allowance and do not pay extra in France - but Belgium does cost!

Done 2 seasons and very pleased.

 

[Halcyon Yachts]

I use an S5. It has taken a few splashes and seems fine! Lots of useful sailing apps and back-up charts etc...

I also have a fully charged S3 (pay as you go sim) in a waterproof pouch that I keep in the grab bag.

Pete

 

[dunedin]

Galaxy S3 pluswaterproof case. Powerful phone but not so expensive that would be a disaster if lost.
Use camera, browser, memory map etc more than voice phone so would not go for anything more basic

 

[Malabar]

I swear by my Cat B100 for boat use. The B100 is waterproof, dustproof, and rugged enough to withstand a drop of 1.8M onto a hard surface. It is equipped with a noise cancelling microphone which takes out all the wind/engine noises; it has big numbers like an old-fashioned mobile phone and the battery seems to last for days.

 

[dylanwinter]

Any old non smart phone that has a long battery life. Mine is an old Samsung bouncy builders phone with a rubberised cover. It does phone calls and texts. The battery lasts five days, it is splash proof and has been dropped onto concrete, trodden on and lived in a damp pocket for days on end.

D

gratified to see that they are still available

http://www.expansys.com/samsung-xco...RM5Iv7bXEWg2CiHeKOym90TvT-7bEQ-JPwaAtPX8P8HAQ

 

[capnsensible]

Any old non smart phone that has a long battery life. Mine is an old Samsung bouncy builders phone with a rubberised cover. It does phone calls and texts. The battery lasts five days, it is splash proof and has been dropped onto concrete, trodden on and lived in a damp pocket for days on

gratified to see that they are still available
]

Mines like that but without the rubber bits. Cost me about 15 euros and has lasted about four years so about 16 odd thousand miles.



It's not smart. Just a phone.