Ocean Signal PLB1 or McMurdo Fastfind

[Andibs]

Going to splurge out on a PLB as I've started going solo. Seems to be two main contenders for my planned use (coastal).

What's the feedback from those who have had one.

Cheers
Andy

 

[gregcope]

Ocean signal is smaller

Depending on when you buy it, the ocean signal may have longer battery life and hence cheaper over a number of years.

I think the ocean signal has simpler operations. Pull out antenna, lift flap, press button.

We have both. Would get either. But prefer ocean signal for size, battery and operational simplicity. But its not that big a difference. Buy on cost / battery life, to get the cheapest cost per year.

 

[ShinyShoe]

Ocean signal is very compact.
I have heard people say when you are cold in the water - bigger may be better. My personal view is, smaller means its more likely to be worn...

ACR ResQLink+ --> advantage is floats (although not in a position to signal) (check the model - not all float) - 6year battery

Mine is an AccuSato and also floats.. But is quite chunky. - 7 year battery

 

[Concerto]

Last year I faced the same problem. Bought the Ocean Signal. Permanently fixed to my lifejacket as I sail singlehanded virtually all of the time.

 

[Plum]

I also chose the Ocean Signal PLB1for its compactness and long battery life. It fits inside my lifejacket clipped to the oral inflation tube using the supplied clip. I sail mostly single handed. If you need to use it after your lifejacket has inflated, trying to find it in a pocket or clipped to the belt may be very difficult so having it on the inflation tube means it is right in front of you.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[ShinyShoe]

I also chose the Ocean Signal PLB1for its compactness and long battery life. It fits inside my lifejacket clipped to the oral inflation tube using the supplied clip. I sail mostly single handed. If you need to use it after your lifejacket has inflated, trying to find it in a pocket or clipped to the belt may be very difficult so having it on the inflation tube means it is right in front of you.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

In your sailing, how likely are you to need it without your LJ inflated? I like the idea it is on my LJ inflation tube when I need it.

But I can also see scenarios where I am not in the water (dis-masted and HH wont reach, medical emergency in the shadow of cliffs) and would prefer not to have 175 litres of awkwardness strapped to my chest. How easy is it to retrieve...

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

In your sailing, how likely are you to need it without your LJ inflated? I like the idea it is on my LJ inflation tube when I need it.

But I can also see scenarios where I am not in the water (dis-masted and HH wont reach, medical emergency in the shadow of cliffs) and would prefer not to have 175 litres of awkwardness strapped to my chest. How easy is it to retrieve...

Unzip LJ, unclip PLB. Simples!

 

[Plum]

In your sailing, how likely are you to need it without your LJ inflated? I like the idea it is on my LJ inflation tube when I need it.

But I can also see scenarios where I am not in the water (dis-masted and HH wont reach, medical emergency in the shadow of cliffs) and would prefer not to have 175 litres of awkwardness strapped to my chest. How easy is it to retrieve...

It only takes me a few seconds to unzip the right side of my uninflated lifejacket to expose the PLB.

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Andibs]

Cheers all. Ocean Signal ordered.

Many thanks

Andy