The only problem with OnStar is it comes wrapped in a General Motors product.

And that's a problem?

GM is the Hobie 16 of the auto world. Discuss.

Subaru offers OnStar packages with their cars as well. Probably other makes do as well.

John (Tigerboy) would know - he used to work for OnStar.

I think they're in Saabs, too.

I knew I recognized that mellifluous voice. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

First, this is a sailing forum. So I won't digress for too long. OK, yes, I used to work on the OnStar hardware for GM. OnStar is owned by GM but is installed in many other OEM's (Original Equipment Manufacturers...i.e. Toyota, Honda, etc). Yes Matt, SAAB's have OnStar because SAAB is owned by GM and will soon be available as standard equipment across the entire GM line. But OnStar is also installed on Acura, Honda, Volkswagen, Subaru and Toyota (aka Lexus Link). Our friend in Oregon was driving a Chrysler product which had no telematics system. He was definitely book smart but lacked common sense. Sorry John but you must be confusing my voice with someones elses <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I never worked at the call center <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

OK now back to sailing....what's up with the Tiger changes for '07? Oh wait...that's another thread <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I have lived in Oregon most of my life (except when off doing the soldier bit) I have investigated accidents and deaths. It is always sad to find that no one decision cost someone their life. Usually it is chain of events and bad decisions and poor preperation that lead to a catastrophic situation. When you notify the next of kin, deep in your mind you want to scream out that the significant other died because he /she was a dumb**s.

I have had training in survival from the army, and I have learned in the infantry to try and anticipate all outcomes from a challenging situation.

when going into a new area, do a map recon or "never go anyplace for the first time"
when I am hunting or climbing or boating, I always have the ten essentials sheck out the following website.
you can change these slightly depending on the situation, but this is a good start. I think it would have saved his life.
http://www.backpacking.net/ten-essl.html

I checked out the list. The one thing missing is a signal mirror.

I think Volkswagen (beetle) will have something to say about that.

Wouter

I really enjoy this forum and usually just lurk, but since this thread has gotten somewhat off topic, what the hell. I'm not quite sure what to make of the info in this thread because....

On the one hand, I'm going on a three night backcountry packing trip this weekend in the Sipsey Wilderness Area (Alabama, USA), and (as always) my packing list includes all of the 14 essentials, except sunglasses and sunscreen (totally unncecessary for this particular trip). Talk about prepared...I'll even have a case of beer in my pack plus another case on my golden retreiver (hey, I'm a sailor).

On the other hand, I own a Volkswagen ('72 SuperBeetle Convertible), a GM ('95 Buick LeSabre), AND a ('98) Hobie 16! (I'm quite happy with all three, by the way.)

Jerome Vaughan
Clinton, Mississippi USA