Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) recommendations 2021?

MattS

MattS

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We had the McMurdo. Nice, compact and all that
Ours went with boat we sold last summer.

Never had to put it to the test though.

Shop around for the best price.
A strong hint is to watch the battery expiry date and that is is programmed or whatever for the UK
 
I have the McMurdo and it's fine. It's big by today's standards and I would seriously look at the smallest one possible. Useless unless worn, so convenience is key here. You're not doing adventurous sailing so battery life would be secondary in my opinion since you could expect to be found with relative ease even after the battery dies (which is very unlikely in the channel)
 
duncan99210 said:
So little to choose between them on price, I’d go for the Ocean Signal which has a 7 year battery as opposed to the shorter lives with the other two.
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Having had a look I'd also choose this one now. Not because of battery specifically, although that's nice. It has everything needed but importantly is much smaller than the others. I don't think there's much competition here, the others have nothing that would sway the decision when you compare them IMHO
 
FWIW my McMurdo 220 is 11 years old this year and the battery still tests fine. I've not done any sailing which would justify a PLB recently so have not bothered to get it replaced, but will if I go further afield again.
 
Have you looked at the McMurdo Fastfind return link PLB. It lets you know that your emergency message has been received which must be reassuring.
 
I had a McMurdo which was fine until I mislaid it ( I know where it is - Bay of Biscay). I have just replaced it with the Ocean Signal PLB1 which is an excellent size even in it's flotation collar. I agree with Lustyd size is an important factor.

.
 
Mine is on the waist band in its case and tied on with some thin dyneema string. Modern Spinlocks have space internally with the other bits like lights. Worth adding that I have two LJs, one comfy and light one for inshore, and one with all the stuff for offshore. I don't wear the PLB inshore as it makes the LJ a bit cumbersome for daily use and I just don't see the need. That said, I'm Solent based and can swim several miles easily so I'm not in much danger usually. If I were in Cornall I might make different choices!
 
lustyd said:
FWIW my McMurdo 220 is 11 years old this year and the battery still tests fine. I've not done any sailing which would justify a PLB recently so have not bothered to get it replaced, but will if I go further afield again.
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I have 5 of the 220s, they were bought around 2013 and batteries should have been replaced 2019. They all still test at full power.

Batter replacement is a lot cheaper than the Force 4 new unit prices (£120 quid or so). I have no expectation of using one 'in anger' so my plan is to wait until one of them shows anything below full charge on its annual test and then replace the lot.
 
Cheeky Girl said:
Hi
where do people tend to fix them onto a lifejackets
we have Spinlock jackets very neat and slimline (even for my figure ;))
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My jackets have a loop of fabric on the bladder for mounting the light. The PLB lanyard is tied off to this loop and the PLB then tucks up inside the body of the LJ.

It works but is not ideal as it does mean careful repacking when servicing. If I was buying new jackets I'd want PLB pockets.
 
Thanks for all the tips.

How do people find the Ocean Signal in terms of ease of use? Being smaller, is it going to be fiddly to try and activate with cold hands in chilly UK water..?
 
bitbaltic said:
I have 5 of the 220s, they were bought around 2013 and batteries should have been replaced 2019. They all still test at full power.

Batter replacement is a lot cheaper than the Force 4 new unit prices (£120 quid or so). I have no expectation of using one 'in anger' so my plan is to wait until one of them shows anything below full charge on its annual test and then replace the lot.
Click to expand...

@bitbaltic When you say Force 4 new unit prices, what units are you referring to? (I can't find any new PLBs for less than about £190..)?
 
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+1 for ocean signal, had it for last 4 years, never had to use it but small and easy to fit onto waist strap with its supplied little pouch. It’s never got on the way and can reach when inflated.
 
Ease of use:
I left my McMurdo 220 on my mate's boat as he was about to sail Azores to UK and I thought it more useful on his boat than in my nick nacks drawer.
Imagine my surprise when I got the call from Zurich RCC!

He got picked up by a passing fishing vessel. He said he had trouble with the antenna on the PLB but I didn't brief him and he didn't read the instructions before having to use it in anger.

So they may not be easy in the heat of the moment but they do work.
 
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