EPIRB mounting advice

[Genie]

Hi folks
I am taking the plunge (hopefully not literally!) and buying an EPIRB for safety's sake - decided on model - McMurdo Smartfind GPS but could do with some advice on where best to mount it.
I had thought of keeping it in grab bag, but in the event of a collision at speed it won't be much use in there (esp as it's waterproof bag!).
I have a hardtop wheelhouse with an open rear to cockpit and though of maybe mounting it fairly high up in there where is can be got to quickly and if the boat is swamped/sinks it will self activate in water.
Is this a good idea? Any tips/advice appreciated.
I haven't actually got the unit yet so am not at liberty to read instructions as yet.
Thanks.

 

[Richard10002]

The best place would be externally with a hydrostac release.

 

[Dave99]

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The best place would be externally with a hydrostac release.

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exactly - it wont work if the boat has sunk or capsized with it in!

 

[rubberduck]

Had mine fitted by Essex Boatyards. They put it on the back of the boat just outside the transom door, with the automatic release thingy. Makes for a very relaxing ride along with liferaft etc. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Jacobs]

A couple of things to bear in mind.

Category 1 (automatic release) EPIRBS require a water depth of approximately 4 metres for deployment and with swampings / partial sinkings this may not be the case.

Category 2 EPIRBS which require manual deployment and then either auto or manual activation will be disabled whilst bracket mounted and therefore require removal and contact with water to activate. The ability to just hold the EPIRB and jump in(!) is useful in situations where crew members may not have been trained in the use of the beacon.

Its a matter of opinion but mounting an EPIRB on a bulkhead around the cockpit or near the companion way would be sensible for ease of access in an emergency.