A good friend did a cost analysis on long distance communication for
his new Cat. He calculated that, not including installation, the SSB
was more expensive then the Sat-phone, as well as being more
complicated to install on a new boat. So he installed the Sat-phone.

What I see here is that the older boats all have a pactor system and
newer boats have Satellite phones.

Cheers,

Bruce

Yes, Bruce I wonder how much it would cost in LABOR to install
everything a SSB radio requires. but im sure many here are knowledgble
on that. SSB served the world well for years. But there are things out
there now that can take its place and do it cheeper, faster, better

But some people the club atmospher of being a HAM radio operator.
Besides you dont even have to take morse code any more to be a HAM
which Im sure drives many of the old timmers crazy!
Personnally I sont use radio for pleasure or chit chat. I use irridium
for business and emergency. If I want to talk to some one Ill jsut
come here to my favorite discussion bard REC BOATS CRUISING The
best darn little place to talk to friends i know and love

XOXOXOXOoxoo
Bob