Which EPIRB are most you guys using on the smaller center consoles, 23’? I am in the market for a new one and wanted to get some input. Thanks.
We take out an PLB: ACR PLB-375 ResQLink in a 24’ Center Console.
https://www.amazon.com/ACR-PLB-375-ResQLink-Buoyant-personal/dp/B006JXY0CQ
We also bring with us a SPOT Beacon so we can communicate that we are OK or Need Help with the family on land.
We use the same PLB plus have the DSC VHF, which once set up, calls in your coordinates with a push of an emergency button. I like the PLB because you can attach to you instead of having to remember to activate an epirb or hope the automatic release worked.
B.O.A.T. Bust Out Another Thousand!
2016 Sea Pro 219
How much does the spot fee run for a years service?
I believe $150.
Got this last year. Now come with user replaceable 10 year battery. Ordered it from Air-Sea in Charleston. Little over 400 bux.
NN
Thanks, That’s actually the one I was looking at. I think I saw that model in a ditch bag kit.
Good deal, I would only use a Spot as a secondary device, and the OK feature to notify family running late.
Be safe,
NN
I like a PLB since it goes with you…so is on any boat you’re on.
The spot is a great tool to have. Battery replacement is easy. How much would you spend if you were in the water beside your sinking boat!
“If we ever forget that we’re
one nation under God,
we will be a nation gone under.” - Ronald Reagan
This is the one that saved my life and 3 friends. Took them less than 1 hour to respond 13 miles offshore! https://www.amazon.com/ACR-PLB-375-ResQLink-Buoyant-personal/dp/B006JXY0CQ Bought a new one this year at west marine!
266 sailfish twin 200 hpdi
For what it’s worth when we had our incident the CG got the SOS signal from both the EPIRB and the SPOT. PLB seems like a good device too.
“mr keys”
Thanks guys. First hand knowledge is priceless. I’ve seen the rescue video and I hope and pray I’m never in that situation. This thread was started just in case.
Listen to Hull Pass… a PLB is far better than a SPOT. I had the same PLB on my belt the day we picked Hull Pass. I’m a believer!
“Temptation may lean on the doorbell… opportunity may only knock once”
I went with the Garmin InReach. I really like that you can text and receive texts back. I haven’t had to use it for emergency purposes (yet- hopefully never have to), but I’ve tested it several times both with their service center and my family and have received confirmation responses within minutes.
Sea Hunt Gamefish 25, Twin Yamaha 150s
Junebug- in memory of the sweetest grandmother to ever grandmother.
JuneBug - Does this Garmin InReach distress calls go to a call center or is it on 406MHz with NOAA?
“Temptation may lean on the doorbell… opportunity may only knock once”
SPOT vs EPIRB
The EPIRB distress signal goes straight to a rescue coordination service (Air Force or Coast Guard). SPOT trackers rely on a private enterprise (SPOT call center) to notify the designated emergency contact.
Let me offer you some food for thought. If you activate your SPOT SOS feature, are you absolutely certain your emergency contact will be available, or know what to do with the information?
That being said, I do appreciate SPOT’s ability to constantly track the user’s position. I’ve used the SPOT tracker on search and rescue cases before and have been able to track vessels 60+ nautical miles offshore.
I am an EPIRB guy, but I also want a SPOT for the tracking function. I think it’s great for fishing and hunting. It gives my loved ones peace of mind to know where I’m at. But I wouldn’t grade the SPOT completely reliable as a distress signal.