EPIRB thoughts

[prv]

having been picked up although I turned our epirb off it continued to transmit as it had been immersed (water activation kicked in) and I had to dismantle it and disconnect the battery connection to stop it transmitting

I'm sure I heard somewhere that the recommended technique after retrieving an activated EPIRB was to wrap it in several layers of kitchen foil!

I suspect taking out the batteries is a better approach.

Pete

 

[mcframe]

FWIW, on the wild Lake Solent (& between Nab & Poole, etc), I've gone for a Fastfind 210 PLB - it normally lives in a strap on the companionway (HEX number & Falmouth MRCC phone number on a label *behind* it, to cancel false alarms), but is moved to my LJ for solo work. My sailing isn't rufty-tufty enough to justify an auto-release EPIRB, and the 210 is "only" ~=4 nights mooring at Buckler's Hard...

 

[liverpool]

When the 5 year service for my Kannad EPIRB was due earlier this year I decided instead to buy a PLB on the basis that the PLB would do the same job as the EPIRB for me (as I'm not crossing oceans) and would be a useful item of safety kit for one of us to carry when we're on our own on deck. I've kept the Kannad EPIRB and self test indicates still working OK.

 

[LadyInBed]

There are several user-replaceable models, Kannad for example.

Interesting that the Kannad Safelink 48hr PLB Pro (£412.99) is very similar in appearance to the McMurdo Fastfind Max PLB (£349.99) which I have.
I tend to believe, probably incorrectly, that if something looks the same and has the controls in the same place then the chances are that the guts are the same!

My McMurdo Replacement Battery Pack is about £80

 

[Elessar]

About the only thing left on the shopping list (Hello LIBS) is an EPIRB. My knowledge of the yellow gizmos is non-existent. I note there are some established names, and quite a few newcomers. My inclination is for a 'proper' one, not a PLB, with GPS and user serviceable batteries. Anyone disagree, or have make and model suggestions.

I have a PLB registered as an EPIRB.

Reasons:
Cheaper
If I'm crossing an ocean it's not in my boat, and I ensure the boat has an EPIRB, so the shorter TX life on mine isn't an issue.
If I'm in someone elses boat more locally I can take my PLB with me easily.
If I'm single handed I can have it on my person.

Con - doesn't free float. I have a waterbuoy on it so it should float, but you have to hold it to activate it.

works for me on the cost/ease/risk consideration.

Not sure what make it is. It is yellow, has a GPS and was just over 200 quid.

 

[FishyInverness]

Interesting that the Kannad Safelink 48hr PLB Pro (£412.99) is very similar in appearance to the McMurdo Fastfind Max PLB (£349.99) which I have.
I tend to believe, probably incorrectly, that if something looks the same and has the controls in the same place then the chances are that the guts are the same!

Probably is, they are after all, now under the same company umbrella!
Go take a look at the Kannad XS-4, look familiar????

 

[rickym]

To the OP, we looked long and hard at this for our upcoming trip and decided after looking at the options to purchase an Ocean Safety GPS EPIRB. Battery fit is idiot proof, they even give you the correct tool to screw it into place. We also liked the 5 year life of the battery as we are planning to be away for 3 years. To suppliment the Epirb we have a PLB in the liferaft.

Hope this helps.