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View Full Version : SSB: how many 2021'ers are planning on using one?



AlanH
08-24-2020, 02:26 PM
Now that the SSB is no long required, I'm torn about having one. New ones are very expensive but working, used ones have come way down in price. Installing one on a boat is not a trivial exercise, it used to be up there with building the emergency rudder as the #1 and #2 "big jobs" to do. However, in 2008 it added quite a bit to my experience during the race. If half the fleet is planning on having one, I'd be very tempted to find a way to get one on the boat.

Any comments from "likely" 2021 bug-lighters?

Mountain
01-31-2021, 10:05 AM
Hi Alan. No SSB on Mountain.

JimQuanci
01-31-2021, 10:40 PM
Buffalo has an SSB (backup comms if the Iridium flakes out).

everydaysailor
01-31-2021, 10:54 PM
Iridium Go in 2018 Pac Cup- no troubles. This year same deal on Pork Chop.
Go the extra step and install the external antenna.
We ended up very disconnected on that last trip which was kinda nice. I didn't even plot other boats positions.
I like SSB for return though - not an issue with your plan though.

brianb
02-01-2021, 12:20 PM
If I do the race, under consideration, I will have an SSB. There are very easy installation steps that result in a working radio. If there is interest in this as a seminar topic I am happy to cover a minimalistic installation technique.

Brian
s/v Red Sky

BobJ
02-08-2021, 08:29 PM
Ragtime!'s SSB is now installed on Tabu Soro, currently in Fiji.

I don't plan to install an SSB on Surprise!