9 Items To Make Cell Phone Use In A Boat Safe, Easy, & Fun
Posted by Greg Knell on 23rd Aug 2020
Cell phone use in a boat might seem to be more problematic to some compared to in a car. But in reality, the task is the same. And in most cases, it isn't anything that a quality cell phone signal booster can't handle. That being said, there are a lot more gadgets that enhance cell phone use in a boat. Things that make it much more convenient, practical, and fun. Here are 9 cell phone-related products that all you mariners out there will be interested in.
Table of Contents:
- Fusion2Go Max
- XYZ Cell Phone Mount for Boat
- CaliCase Universal Waterproof Floating Case
- Criacr Bluetooth FM Transmitter
- SCOSCHE GoBat 3-In-1 Charger
- Arsvita Audio Bluetooth Cassette Receiver
- 3-Foot Lightning-to-USB iPhone Charging Cable
- LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker
- Siren 3 Pro
Fusion2Go Max
Fusion2Go Max is the most powerful in-vehicle cell signal booster for all carriers. It comes equipped with SureCall’s award-winning and patented Extended Range Technology (ERT) which fundamentally changes the typical signal booster architecture to deliver the strongest signal boost available on the market. Even on your boat, you can avoid dropped calls and get a clearer cell signal with the Fusion2Go Max.
Takes minutes to install. It works great on a boat, just remember that it needs a 12-volt outlet to plug into. Some boats have them. Others don't. If yours doesn't, it's nothing that an adapter or electric generator couldn't fit. Some adapters even plug right into the cigarette lighter, which many boats have. For a full breakdown of product specifications, go here: SureCall
Important to note that the Fusion2Go Max signal booster requires a waterproof environment for the signal booster (like a glove box, or a fully enclosed part of the boat), and separation from the outside antenna. Because of that, we also recommend the Shakespeare Stream Wireless Booster, which is powered by SureCall. Here, you have a booster built specifically for the challenges of a marine environment. It also provides coverage in a larger area than the Fusion2Go Max, as it's built for a captains area, or small room on a boat.
Fusion2Go Max Price: $499
Shakespeare Stream Wireless Booster Price: $799
Purchase here: Fusion2Go Max
XYZ Cell Phone Mount for Boats
Everyone knows that driving a car with a phone in your hand is not acceptable. The same goes for boating. All cell phone use in a boat needs to be hands-free. And this is the absolute BEST phone mount for boats. Seriously, you will not regret this purchase.
Its universal design means it doesn't matter what phone you have, it'll fit. The XYZ is made with very strong materials and is built to last. The mount requires no tools to install and the clamps are very easy to operate. It can rotate 360 degrees. Though many people use it on boats, it can also be used on wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, motorcycles, bicycles, and more. And it comes in multiple colors.
Most boaters fasten this mount to a pole onboard. The pole needs to between 0.5"-2" in diameter. The good news is that almost all poles on boats fit this description. It's also an ideal companion for the Fusion2Go Max or the Shakespeare Stream as you can place the inside antenna close to where the phone is mounted and use your phone as a wifi hotspot.
The XYZ Cell Phone Mount also comes with a LIFETIME warranty.
Price: $9.49
Purchase here: XYZ Cell Phone Mount for Boat
CaliCase Universal Waterproof Floating Case
A waterproof case should always go hand-in-hand with cell phone use in a boat. And there seem to be more options available than you can count. We'll make that decision easy for you. Believe us when we say that this is the one to get.
Obviously, the fact that it floats is the main reason why you're interested in this phone case. But we noticed that the majority of competing brands with a similar product only carry one color. Black. That seems a bit problematic. A black case would be difficult to locate as many bodies of water aren't especially clear. CaliCase, however, has 15 different colors to choose from, many of them bright (including glow-in-the-dark, camo, and American Flag). Much easier to see when floating on the surface of the water.
This case is designed with double layers of PVC-plastic protection. When they say waterproof, they mean it (up to 100 ft). Many other brands use only one layer. You can take clear photos, videos, and use the fingerprint sensor with your phone even when inside this case. And this is yet another product with a lifetime guarantee. In the unlikely event that you request a refund or exchange, they'll process your request no questions asked.
Packaging comes with a lanyard, a carabiner, and a microfiber cloth. Note: if you have an Otterbox or other bulky phone case, get the XL CaliCase. Link below.
Price: $29.99
Purchase here: CaliCase Universal Waterproof Floating Case Purchase here (XL): CaliCase Extra Large Waterproof Floating Case
Criacr Bluetooth FM Transmitter (2020 Upgraded Version)
Sound systems styles vary widely from boat to boat, depending largely on the year, make, and model. You may or may not have a boat with Bluetooth capability. If yours doesn't, this is a little gadget that you'll find very useful.
FM transmitters have been around for decades. They're nothing new. They allow you to play music and answer phone calls via Bluetooth in a vehicle that doesn't have factory Bluetooth capability through an unused radio frequency. This one, though, is perfect for boats. New boat or old, as long as there's a DC adapter (cigarette lighter), all you have to do is plug this device into it and you're ready to go.
It's small and fits tightly into the cigarette lighter so you don't have to worry about it coming dislodged when going over big bumps in the water. It has 2 USB charging ports, as well. So you can charge your devices, listen to music from your phone on the boat's speakers, and answer calls. It also has really neat colored lights that give it a fun look.
This upgraded model is made with stronger materials to increase longevity and performance.
Price: 16.99
Purchase here: Criacr Bluetooth FM Transmitter
SCOSCHE GoBat 3-In-1 Charger
Another DC-adapter accessory is worth mentioning because this one has additional features that some of you boat owners may find very appealing. Some may view this as a novelty item, but we think it's more than that. And the number of sales it has shows that other people like it as much as we do. It earns the 3-in-1 part of its name because it's not only a 5V charger for your phone but it's also a portable battery pack and a flashlight.
You can remove the lower half of the device which reveals a DC adapter. When you plug this into your boat's cigarette lighter, not only does it charge your phone and other devices, but it charges itself while it's in there. You can then take it with you on-the-go and use it as a portable charger. And finally, it has a built-in flashlight which you can also use as a safety strobe.
It has a string of 4 LED indicator lights that tell you how much juice it's got left. The SCOSCHE GoBat 3-In-1 Charger comes with a 3-year warranty.
Price: $11.99
Purchase here: SCOSCHE GoBat 3-In-1 Charger
Arsvita Audio Bluetooth Cassette Receiver
Older boats (even more than older cars, according to some data) are very common. Boat owners, generally, are perfectly fine with boats that are 15-25 years old. Many boats out on the water today are even older than that. That means that many of you still own boats with cassette tape decks and traditional radio. Nothing wrong with that, and we're not here to judge!
For those of you with newer boats that have long since left the tape deck behind, this item won't do much for you. But if you use a boat that still rocks a trusty ol' cassette slot, the Arsvita Bluetooth Cassette Receiver is a must-have. It's a lot cheaper than having a new sound system and display installed. All you do is slip it into the cassette slot, turn on the Bluetooth dongle, and you're in business. You can play music or any other audio content right from your phone through the boat's speakers. Even answer calls.
It's compatible with almost every smartphone. The device does require a charge, but one full charge lasts approximately 8 hours. Plenty of time while you're out on the lake. This is one of the most popular products of it's kind.
Price: $22.99
Purchase here: Arsvita Car Audio Bluetooth Cassette Receiver
3-Foot Lightning-to-USB iPhone Charging Cable
The cockpits of boats are often different from cars. There's usually more space than in the smaller confines of the driver's side of a personal vehicle. We've seen this enough that it's worth recommending a longer charging cord. It's a simple product, we know. It isn't even a device, per se. But many mariners suggest having one for cell phone use in a boat. It'll come in handy. If 3 feet isn't long enough for you, there's a 6-foot option as well. The 6ft one will likely be long enough to reach to the back seat if you want that.
Price: $12.49
Purchase here (iPhone): 3-Foot Lightning-to-USB iPhone Cable Purchase here (Android): 3-Foot Lightning-to-USB iPhone Cable
LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker
Boats aren't cheap. When you make an investment on a seacraft, the last thing you want to happen is for it to get stolen and never see it again. You would do well to get yourself a GPS tracking unit that remains permanently and discreetly on your vessel. We recommend the LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker because of its fantastic track record and reputation, and also for the fact that it's shockingly inexpensive.
The device is small enough to fit in your pocket. Because of its size, you can hide it covertly pretty much anywhere on your boat. Disable the LED lights on it if you want to, making it even more discreet. It has a built-in high-strength magnet and it's waterproof. Using the app on your phone, you can easily track the location of your boat anytime, anywhere, in real-time. The app interface is expertly designed and integrated with Google Maps. You receive email and text alerts of any change in location.
It's compatible in almost every part of the world: US, Australia, Africa, Asia, Europe, South American, Mexico, and Canada. The LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker is built in the United States. And with a near-perfect review rating on Amazon, you know this is a trustworthy product.
Note: A subscription is required in order to use the device. Subscription info is found at the link below.
Price: $29.95 + monthly subscription
Purchase here: LandAirSea GPS Tracker
Siren 3 Pro
You've heard of smart home technology. This is smart boat technology. The Siren 3 Pro takes vessel monitoring to a whole other level.
It has built-in GPS tracking technology and LT cell connectivity that works worldwide. This device taps into much more than local cellular towers and GPS satellites. It works with a range of advanced wireless and wired sensors. Here are just some of the things the Siren 3 Pro monitors: shore power status, battery switch status, battery health, bilge pump activity, geofence alerts, security. And more. Boaters have never had this much control of digital switching.
These capabilities are possible through partnerships with CZone and other marine digital switching companies. With the help of cloud technology and smartphones tech, total remote digital switching is possible with the Siren 3 Pro. With this device, you can spool up a gyrostabilizer, switch on A/C, turn on cabin lights, and so many other things right from your phone.
It may not be practical or necessary for every boat owner. But it's an incredible device that many mariners out there view as essential. For more in-depth information on the Siren 3 Pro, how it's designed, and what it's capable of, click here.
Price: $749.99
Purchase here: Siren 3 Pro
Cell Phone Use In A Boat - Conclusion
Have you used any of these items we listed? What other products have you used in your boat that make using your phone on the water easier? Let us know in the comment section.