EPIRB recommendation

[JumbleDuck]

I'm beginning to think it's time to get a new EPIRB, what with mine being about ten years past its expiry date. There seems to be an amazing variety of tehm, so I'd be very glad of recommendations. Coastal UK sailing, user-replaceable batteries preferred.

 

[Tranona]

I have an ACR - current model is called a Globalfix V4. Obviously don't know how effective it is but spec is similar to competitors and always seem the most modest priced, although not much difference.

 

[ctva]

For the coastal sailing in Scottish waters, would a PLB not be worth a thought, useful on hills as well. We have a McMurdo 220. They perform the same functions as an EPIRB (unless I’m mistaken) with the activation being the main difference. If you are a solo sailor, a PLB on the lifejacket is best option.

 

[Praxinoscope]

For use just in UK waters or even just crossing the channel I would consider as ctva suggests a PLB may be worth considering, I kept an EPIRB on my previous boat, but have gone down the PLB route on my present boat as my sailing is now more localised with crossing the Irish Sea being the longest distance sailing.
Apart from the system of activation there does not seem to be a major advantage to an EPIRB for coastal use, and again as ctva points out they can be used in the wilds as well as at sea.

 

[JumbleDuck]

I have an ACR - current model is called a Globalfix V4. Obviously don't know how effective it is but spec is similar to competitors and always seem the most modest priced, although not much difference.

Thanks. I see that Force4 have the manual version at £379.95 at the moment, which looks like a good deal. Battery life is ten years and its user replaceable ... if they are still making the batteries in ten years, of course ...

The PLB idea is interesting. I'll give it some thought.