A few weeks ago I wrote a Tip pointing out that the “unlimited” air time package for Iridium GO! exec was not actually unlimited and therefore I recommended staying with the truly unlimited package available on the original Iridium GO!.
I have now dug into this in a series of emails with Craig and Matt at PredictWind.
The result is that, although I was right that the unlimited package does have limits, if we put aside semantics it sounds like a good deal that will enable users to download and analyze the weather, in the way we recommend, for known costs.
This Tip is focused on PredictWind’s capabilities as they relate to the techniques we recommend in the above-linked Online Book. It’s not a review or a recommendation to go with PredictWind or buy an Iridium GO! Exec. That’s up to you.
Here’s what an offshore sailor will need, what it will cost, and the capabilities delivered:
Cost
| Hardware (one-time cost) | |
| Iridium GO! Exec with DataHub and external antenna | $1,999 |
| SIM Card | $10 |
| $2009 | |
| Monthly (ongoing costs) | |
| PredictWind “Unlimited” Data Package | $170 |
| PredictWind Professional ($499 / Year) | $42 |
| PredictMail ($119.95) | $10 |
| $222 |
All in US$. Monthly costs rounded up. The standard PW package at $249/year will do, but if we are going to do this right, we might as well go the whole hog.
Capabilities
- Up to 4MB of GRIBs a day (plenty).
- Unlimited email, including attachments (to download weather maps and forecasts not offered directly by PredictWind).
Confirming #2 with the folks at PredictWind was the primary reason I wrote this Tip.
Other Benefits
- The Iridium GO! Exec is much faster than the original GO!, but not really fast enough for true internet access, which Starlink is.
- GO! Exec can be used to make a phone call without using a linked cellphone, which makes it far better for emergency use, particularly in a liferaft, than the original GO!.
Watch Out
We are only protected from cost overruns with Iridium GO! Exec and the PredictWind “Unlimited Package” as long as we stay within the PredictWind apps listed above.
If we turn the firewall off to get true internet access, we will need to buy added data packages, which we may blow through in minutes.
The unlimited package on the original Iridium GO! is truly unlimited, albeit much slower.
Disclaimer
The above is based on an email exchange with PredictWind. I have not tested any of it.
Pricing of Starlink becomes increasingly interesting and competitive. For instance the Starlink Maritime package comes with $2500 hardware (down from $10k not too long ago) and a $250 monthly fee (for 50GB). Cancel anytime.
Ok, without PredictWind it is.
We will be sailing in the Med for another year before doing the Atlantic. I will have another look mid next year at Iridium, but I’m expecting Starlink to be the competitive choice.
Hi Pepijn,
I agree, Starlink is getting practical, but one issue to think about is that it’s not a viable distress communications option. I have been thinking of writing an article, or maybe a tip on that.
Thanks for this. Is anyone out there using Exec _without_ PredictWind’s data plan? We are really digging LuckGrib and are thinking of breaking up with PW. I see that other data partners offer plans for using Exec; has anyone tried any of them?
+1 to Carolyn’s question and/or people’s real world experience with Go Exec and PW’s packages or other partners’s plans. While Starlink is pretty darn cool we’re leaning towards Iridium for the emergency capabilities, much lower power consumption, and a desire to get away from the internet rather than bring it along with us.
Hi Jim,
I don’t have first hand experience, but I sussed this out pretty well working directly with the guys at PW, so I think you can be confident in the numbers above. I have also used PW with original GO! a bunch, and that works fine too, and is less money.
Also a fan of LuckGrib. Fastest grib file downloads. Love its more in-depth treatment of everything. Also trying to avoid getting “locked in” to the PW universe. I’m looking into Ocen’s data plans. Will let you know what I find out.
Hi Glenn,
I tried Ocen’s years ago and thought them a rip off as they were charging me for government products that are provided at the tax payer’s expense, but that may of changed.
Thanks John, I have a possible line on a lightly used original Go! and I may well give that a try and see how it goes, no pun intended 😉
Starlink: Pro: now has a “backpack” version. Lighter. Less power. Slower. Runs off USB-C (and therefore a power brick). Cons: Even still, probably not the device for the ditch bag. Some cruisers in the pacific islands have had significant connectivity problems w StarLink. Regarding GO! Exec unlimited plans, Ocens also offers unlimited. I’ve enquired with them as to their terms and conditions, and will update you if they are better than PredictWind’s. https://www.ocens.com/products/iridium-go-exec-unlimited-data-plan
Hi Glenn,
Thanks for the report. I agree, not for the ditch bag. In fact in my view the only proper primary destress device is an EPIRB. (No not in-reach or something like it). After we have an EPIRB then we need an Iridium to talk to the rescue authorities.
Heard back from Ocens: Yes, unlike PredictWind – our unlimited plan for the Iridium GO exec is actually unlimited data for any app. There are no restrictions other than Iridium’s fair use policy (basically that you cannot leave the unit on in a data session 24/7. You can download our printable service agreement here: https://files.ocens.com/documents/service_agreements/IR_GO_exec_UL_SA.pdf
Ship’s EPIRB. Why have one at all? Scenario: (1) First pile of money goes to an ACR ResQLink 406 + AIS PLB for each human on board. (2) Next an Iridium GO Exec to make phone calls to RCC from liferaft. (3) Next a YB3i Tracker fixed installion with its tracker webpage available to emergency contacts and RCC. Under that scenario, why spend another boat buck on ship’s EPIRB?
Hi Glenn,
Because only a EPIRB goes straight to the people who can actually help you, the correct RCC, and it’s also by far the most robust and reliable solution. It can also be set up to float free and auto transmit in the event of a disaster. And finally there is a full system in place for fast verification of a distress call. Note that the yellow brick does not go directly to the RCC, only an EPIRB does that.
Yellow brick meaning ResQLink? According to ACR it does “standard satellite notification through the Cospas Sarsat rescue system”, that is “406 MHz satellite connectivity”. Therefore direct to the RCC associated with the yellow brick’s MMSI. Yes? Does a ship’s EPIRB have RLS like the yellow brick?