[quote=mattson]Good point on the need for these devices is based on what type of sailing you do.
On the cell phone vs. VHF radio: The big difference here is when you make a distress call on a VHF, it's a single button and you are talking to everybody within range of you. A cell phone is at least 12 or so button presses to get one person, and you hope they answer the phone. My first waterproof handheld VHF radio was $400 about 15 years ago. Today you can get a SH 5 watt submersible floating radio for 100 bucks.[/quote]
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