I am looking into getting an epirb for my boat. I have a 25’ mako and typically fish offshore 4-6 times a year either from edisto or murrells inlet. I wanted some personal opinions about which ones to look at and why. I know the main brands but wanted to know any specific models you personally use. Also any input on the cost or yearly fees would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
ACR ResQLink.
No yearly fees. Registered to person, not boat.
Not an EPIRB per se. A PLB.
Carry it with you on someone else’s boat, or wherever.
Never had to use it.
Just renewed my registration with NOAA SARSAT today.
Felling pretty good bout it …
2005 Grady 209 Yam F200
“El Dorado”
1989 High Tide Super V-14
2004 Yam 25 2-Stroke
Johns Island, SC
What Native said. My original epirb was 12 years old. You can’t get a new battery after 10 years, so I trashed it and got the rescue link.
X2 on what Native said. All you need to do is reregister it yearly. Have had mine for 4 years and thank god I never had to use it.
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
I have same as above. Which reminds me, I suppose I need to make sure it has been re registered. Do they send you something when it needs to be re registered?
I get a letter every year, then I just go on line. Without looking at it I beleive the sticker has the web site and your registration number. Once you re-register it they will mail you a new sticker.
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
They sent me a reminder. Nice to know they are keeping tabs and such.
2005 Grady 209 Yam F200
“El Dorado”
1989 High Tide Super V-14
2004 Yam 25 2-Stroke
Johns Island, SC
whats the pricing on this unit?
I don’t remember the price. And I’m very careful with my money.
I didn’t think twice about whatever it was. Considering what it does.
They did have a promotion going where they sent a box of additional safety equipment (mirrors, strobe light, blanket …)with the purchase of the unit.
I put this stuff in the along with the other stuff ditch bag with the backup VHF and GPS, next to the sea anchor, wedged between the loaded tool box …
2005 Grady 209 Yam F200
“El Dorado”
1989 High Tide Super V-14
2004 Yam 25 2-Stroke
Johns Island, SC
It’s best to have 2 forms of distress signal. I’ve got a SPOT and the ACR ResQLink. But, I don’t ever know if the PLB\EPIRB is going to work when I need it, since it’s a passive device. The spot has a non-emergency “OK” button so it’s not hard to test before you leave. Once I get a sat phone, I’ll probably ditch the SPOT since I will have some other form of redundancy.
Aqua, you can get a ACR ResQlink 406 Personal Locator for right around $300.00.
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Personal-Locator-Beacon-Reviews/Buying-Advice
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
Guys, thanks for the input. Still doing some research but I think y’all maid up my mind
I bought the ACR ResQLink + from Tackle Direct on Monday for $264 (free shipping) and is on the delivery truck to be at my house today. Someone on eBay had one for 255 (free shipping).
http://www.tackledirect.com/acr-43461-2881-resqlink-plus-personal-locator-beacon.html
I went with the Tackle Direct because I had a 5% discount and wanted some DOA swimming mullet.
For my price range, my needs, and the ability to test the system, I picked what I picked. Of the reviews I read, most were complaining about the rebate and not the device itself. I think I read three reviews of the 200-some that were equipment issue. (I only read the 1 and two stars).
The “+” version floats. I don’t think there’s any difference otherwise.
BG
That is correct. The non + on Tackle Direct is a little more expensive because it comes with a pouch.
The advantage I saw when I bought mine was that it was just slightly bigger than a cell phone. If I went on someone else’s boat, I could take it with me. Everyone has kind of mentioned that, but the small size is a big plus.
BG
And right on que, they sent me a reminder as well. It has been a while since I registered. Apparently it’s only required every two years.