Interesting Story

[Skagitguy]

http://captrichardrodriguez.blogspot...9/07/lost.html

[Helmar]

http://captrichardrodriguez.blogspot...9/07/lost.html

This goes to show you that you really need to have charts and a compass or have a backup GPS.
Me, I carry two of them. One is not for the water ways but it will still give you Lat and Long as to compare GPS's if your not sure.

For me, life long Biker (yep, first Harley at 17 years old) and Non boater, I am not the best with charts, but I can run a compass.
This still will not tell me Where Am I in the water.

I only own Garmin's as I have tired others but was not impressed.

The way I look at it, even one of those Road GPS's that you can carry in your hand and stick on the dash for $120 bucks is pretty cheap insurance for knowing your Lat and Long.
Oh, All my boats have Marine Radios.
If that does not work, I switch to one of the many Ham Radio Repeaters for help. (Yes, and their are a Lot of us out there, KB7DBD)

SO, Cell phones (most services are crap)
Marine Radio for Help.
Two GPS units.
Charts and Compass.
Ham Radio.
I think I am covered enough for communications. Just need to get the bigger boats back in the water as to join in with everyone instead of sitting here in front of this one eyed monster baby sitting this forum