Epirb recommendations

CurrentSea

CurrentSea

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Thinking I want one finally. I don't go offshore much and always run with other boats but heck, I should have one.

Was looking at the ACR PLB-375 2881 model.

Anyone have an opinion?

Thanks.
 
That's a good unit.

Also take a look at a SPOT and the DeLorme Inreach Explorer.
 
I just got the ACR Globalfix V4 for less than $300
 
They were on sale early this year when the new-parent ACR version of the Ocean Signal RescueMe EPIRB just came out. But are still about $370-$400 for cat 2 version and ~~$463-$500 for cat 1.

Very good prices for the only full-function GPIRBs with user-replaceable 10yr. batteries.

I have the Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1, the smallest PLB on the market, with flotation sheath. Fits comfortably in my pocket.
 
I bought the acr 2831 is the one I bought was about $350 user replaceable 10 year battery
 
quote:
Originally posted by Capt. Bill1

That's a good unit.

Also take a look at a SPOT and the DeLorme Inreach Explorer.

Click to expand...


Don't place too much confidence in that SPOT Locater. I carried a Spot, then a Spot II for years and they were extremely unreliable. I'm not on the water anymore, but even standing on an open ridge with a clear view of the southern sky, it would only send 3 or 4 out of 5 tries. I finally cancelled the service and it sits on a shelf. Useless as an emergency device.
 
Working backwards, I would think the "Cadillac" would be a Category I EPIRB - auto activating, self deploying (with hydrostatic link/release). In a real emergency, a manually released, manually activated device may end up down on your to-do list below: PFD's on all, Mayday call, managing emergency, visual distress signaling, etc.

IMHO, the other end would be a Category II - manually deployed, manually activated device, stored on your person (PEPIRB) - every time you go out.
 
PLBs may be on opposite end of your list, but they are still excellent safety devices.

Roy
 
You might want to check out the ACR ResQLink PLB; which I always wear, I go offshore every week in the Fl Gulf, minimum 10-15 miles, and I also carry the Inreach SE. You also want to make sure at a minimum you have a vhf radio with DSC and a portable VHF and a ditch bag etc.
 
I recommend This One:

The One that you tethered to the life jacket you wear every minute you're underway

The One that you have registered at NOAA and keep the registration current

The One that you keep a fresh battery in

The One that you test periodically

I "have" McMurdo because that's what USCG furnished, and they require all of the above. If I were to buy one personally, the ACR looks good with its built in flotation and built in strobe. For personal, a user-replaceable battery, battery price and availability would be considerations.
 
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