EPIRBS

[tarik]

Evening all,

What thought has been given to Epirbs for the JC, what would the team recommend, there are various makes around, and I am undecided - at the moment.

As ever many thanks for all replies


David.

 

[Athene V30]

Aren't we supposed to drown like Gentlemen?

As a (ex) RN Officer I cannot be classified a Gentleman - think it was Elizabeth (I) who said that - so I was thinking of taking one - just not looked into the details yet.

 

[helixkimara]

Evening all,

What thought has been given to Epirbs for the JC, what would the team recommend, there are various makes around, and I am undecided - at the moment.

As ever many thanks for all replies


David.

I took a McMurdo 406Hz EPIRB with gps. Cost about £450 I think. When it became rough particularly on a couple of nights, I felt a little more relaxed knowing it was there in case of a disaster. If I’d had an unsinkable boat (which I hope to have for JAC12) I may have been less concerned. Remember you have to register it with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Still don’t know if it would of worked !

 

[BlackPig]

I went for the same, McMurdo 406Hz EPIRB small, keep it in pocket, life jacket. It also help my wife, knowing I have on me at all times. My boat will sink like a stone 4.5 tons in 23 feet. So plan on using a life raft and pressing the little button.

Queen Elizabeth 1 of England, nothing to do with me, I'll go down kicking all the way.

 

[Gargleblaster]

Personally I think they are a waste of money, a bit like liferafts. I 've had one for years and never had an opportunity to use it - what a waste.

Perhaps the best people to answer the question are Nicholas Barham and Andy Lane, who have actually used one effectively. I have no idea what brand either of them had.

I looked at PLBs before last year's race. As although I agree with the sentiment 'Die like Gentlemen', I feel it is good to have an option of calling for help when faced with a long swim. I ended up buying a SPOT tracker which I carry attached to my lifejacket with integrated harness, which I never take off even when sleeping - when I arrived in Newport last year I had spent a good hour in the bar at the Newport Yacht Club before I realised I was still wearing my lifejacket with lifeline and SPOT attached. I felt the Spot Tracker with its '911' function served the purpose of a PLB with the added advantage of being able to send a daily report on location. The downside of the SPOT is that you have to pay an annual maintenance fee to be able to keep using the reporting function.

 

[co256]

I would agree on the SPOT tracker, it serves more than one function and works out considerably cheaper than an EPIRB, when you consider the initial outlay, plus the cost of battery replacement, I don't mind paying the annual subscription though in fact I had both options with me.

 

[Pye_End]

The SPOT Connect looks like it can send short text messages as well. Not sure what kit you need to make up the message - ie whether it will work from a netbook or laptop. Doesn't look like it is out yet though.

Website: http://www.findmespot.eu/en/index.php?cid=116

 

[tarik]

Epirb / Spot

Hey guys,

The Spot system sounds a great deal. The added bonus of have the family track your path will remove a lot of worry from SWBO and family.

I'm sourcing as much information as possible and, subject to not too many negatives, will more than likely give it a go, however as it is an annual service agreement I'll probably leave it till nearer the time.

Thanks for all your input.


David

 

[Tahitibelle]

Dont even think about going outside VHF DSC range without an EPIRB.

Without my EPIRB I would still be out there swimming back 400M to mainland Portugal. My EPIRB is and will be again in the the 2012 Azores challenge (unfinished business) a GME 406 supplied by SARTECH. Tel: (01737) 372670. www.sartech.com. It is worth speaking to Peter, the MD, he knows what he is talking about and can give proper advice.

I dont know about these pocket EPIRB's, if you want one OK for in the liferaft but get a real one for in the cabin and keep it near the campanion way where it can be reached from outside but not washed overboard by the sea. While you are at it buy or hire a SART, in gale conditions and big seas you are a very small RADAR target. Even though I was able to talk to the rescue vessel by VHF and give my position to three decimal places of a minute, the state of the art vessel was unable to detect me on their RADAR and it was the watchkeeper on the bridge who saw me (So much for high tech - its people and training that counts when the going gets rough).

My attitude,, for what it is worth, is that as soon as you go ocean side you and your vessel are at risk and you must manage that risk. The risks are: fire, personal injury, going over the side, loss of rig, loss of steering, loss of vessel, ability to stop near land (effective anchor system), getting lost, loosing comms. Work out a way to sort those out, put a sleeping bag on top, chuck in some food (Foxtrot Bravo - no way - Yuk) and drink (forget having a dry ship) and you are on your way and ready to enjoy yourself.

My personal priorities are: 406 EPIRB (preferably with built in GPS); SART; Liferaft; 17' ex-ships lifeboat oar for jury rig/jury steering; Jordan series drogue; Hasler wind vane steering or similar with electric autohelm for back up; both a fixed and a hand held VHF radio; good fire extinguishers; two hand held GPS; barometer (to give yourself a fright when you sit glued to it as it drops rapidly). I am still trying to figure out how an overweight, unfit, 77 (by 2012) year old fart gets back on board it one falls in (get fit and loose weight I hear you say - I am working on this).

Chart plotter, AIS, RADAR, fun to have but not necessary or put another way I only have a kingfisher 20 + with fully battened lug sail (we don't say "junk" these days) and I am green with envey for those of you who can afford them and own have bigger boats.

Enjoy the summer getting ready. See you in Plymouth in May 2012, Inch Allah.
- Nick (ex-Tahiti Belle)

 

[helixkimara]

Great to see your opinion from experience Nick. Some sound advice. Something I thought about while on the Atlantic was “would I be fit enough to get back on board” and I’m just a kid at 55. Getting fit, (as practical) I think, is a major part of the preparation. I would guess some of the more experienced Sea Dogs may disagree. Bill Churchouse was as fit as a lop when I met him and I bet that helped when he went overboard.
I’ve got a Lug rig (nearly wrote Junk ! ?) corribee for the 2012 so “ Race ya”. Would be great to see you at the start of the JAC.
Malcome (ex Helix)