Emergency onboard communication

What's everyone doing for how do I say, emergency safety comunication on big open water? I am told hand held VHF DSC GPS units are only good for 4,5,6 miles. The bigger units that one would mount on a boat are good for 25 miles or so if the antenna is mounted high but would need a battery source & it don't do any good if your separated from the craft. Garmin in reach or spot? Don't know much about them. iPhones have some kind of emergency satellite communication. Thanks, Steve.

What is your definition of 'big open water'?
How far offshore should a beach catamaran sail?

Start with EPIRB's, although likely they will trigger if you capsize.
There are different flavours and prices.
EPIRBS do NOT guarantee 'immediate' response, the same way a VHF will.
West Marine and other marine suppliers can get you set up.

There may be a way of attaching some kind of antenna to the mast....
and plug the other end into your handheld VHF...
which might extend the range....
assuming your mast is vertical....ask the marine suppliers...

_________________
2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

Ok thanks, by big open water, I’m referring to Lake Michigan or going to Florida and sailing in the gulf.

I carry a handheld VHF all the time. When I'm on one of the Great Lakes, I carry it in a pocket on my PFD. Some of the inland lakes I sail monitor VHF too.

Also, when I'm on the Great Lakes, I strap an inReach Mini to my PFD. It allows satellite text communication if I'm out of cellular range, and it has a satellite SOS emergency beacon giving gps location to the rescuers.

Also have 3 rocket flares in triple ziplocks in each cooler on my Getaway.

(edit) I didn't know iPhones have any satellite capability. My iPhone is linked to the inReach for texting, weather forecasts, and navigation. I think it can also trigger the SOS, but the inReach has a simple to operate switch for that right on it.

_________________
Yet another Bob!
"Firefly" - 2012 Hobie Getaway with wings and spinnaker
"Sparky" - 1978 Sunfish (OK, it's not a Hobie, but it's a fun little craft)
Too many canoes and kayaks

Thanks, Good info