Cat 1 full size EPIRB recommendations ?

[Delfini]

Hi - Im looking to buy a cat 1 EPIRB to support my offshore plans this year - does anyone have anything to say on either the MT603FG EPIRB from GME - this one seems a good price (£390 'ish) although battery life is only 6 years and not user replaceable or the ACR 2830.62 RLB41 Globalfix which is more money (£480 'ish) but a 10 year battery and user replaceable ?

Thanks for any feedback

 

[William_H]

The GME seems very popular around here (EPIRB manadatory for any ocean sailing) Search Results seems a lot cheaper than your quoted price. NB take off 10% tax and oz dollar about 2 to a squid. Then add postage and vAT Re battery life I think there is only one battery chemistry available in deed likely to be CR123A lithium batteries. (or similar) which have a similar life expectancy. Perhaps GME are more cautious. Anyway battery replacement arrangements would be a major concern. ol'will

 

[rogerthebodger]

Have a look at the service/battery replacement costs over the life of the various EPIRB'a

I have both the GME 403G cat 2 GPS and a MCMURDO E5.

I would go for the longest battery life

My GME is now 10 years old and still tests OK but 4 years over due for battery replacement. My E5 is in date so I'm till legal

Have a look at service costs here

Select your product - Shop

 

[alexincornwall]

Incidentally Sartech are currently selling the GME MT603G at the discounted price of £269.28. Current stock has a battery expiry of March 2026.

I bought one yesterday, thought it looked a good deal... It's a cat 2 though.

GME MT603G Manual EPIRB with GPS

 

[Graham376]

Remember, the HRU on a class 1 has to be replaced every 2 years so that's an added cost. Personally, I would rather have PLB clipped on to LJ if conditions worrying.