Anyone use the SPOT units offshore in lieu of a PLB or EPIRB? I have to get the battery replaced in an ACR 406 to use it but it’s only $50.00 more to get an entirely new unit and the SPOT is about $350.00 less than them plus uses batteries that are easy to replace.
Mark
Pioneer 222 Sportfish Yamaha F300
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
I have both. I played with the spot the other day with mixed results. Some of my messages went out but some didn’t. It was my first time using it so it was probably user error. I will always have my epirb. The reliability is worth it.
When the stuff really hits the fan and your life is on the line, nothing will replace an EPIRB. However…
I really like the SPOT because it allows you to make “non life threatning” emergency calls. Tow service type calls.
I also like the “I’m ok” calls that I send my wife. At least it makes her feel better.
I don’t own an EPIRB but do own a SPOT. I don’t take my boat past USCG VHF range too often but when I do I normally like to either rent an EPIRB or stay close to other boats.
So to get around to answer your question, I would not replace an EPIRB with a SPOT if you spend a lot of time on the water outside of VHF radio range of the USCG, but a SPOT would be a nice addition.
Also don’t forget the cost of an annual subscription for the SPOT.
Yes SPOT is cheaper but you also have to have a yearly subscription. If the Sh?*T hit the fan I would want the eperb. Just use spot for backup and to send messages if running late or broke down.
I do like the “we are ok” feature to send texts to family. Like a second VHF, I rely on my spot only as a backup. I keep it in my ditch bag in case I were to get separated from my epirb.
PLB & EPIRB go directly, by satellite, to search and rescue. SPOT goes to a call center, like your home security system, who go through your call list before calling search and rescue. My plan is when my PLB battery is due for replacement I’ll dispose of the whole unit and buy a new one. I like the PLB because its registered with the Coast Guard, can be worn on my belt, I wear it on other peoples boats, and via satellite an emergency signal goes directly to search and rescue. Just my thoughts nobody has to agree or disagree.
“Temptation may lean on the doorbell… opportunity may only knock once”
Mark
Pioneer 222 Sportfish Yamaha F300
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
There is zero difference between the ACR EPIRB and the PLB aside from battery life (PLB up to 50 hrs/epirb up to 72 hours). They send the exact same signal to the same rescuers.
I have both and my spot was cheap. It is the older version I got it last year for $100 bucks service is $90 per year. I have a handheld acr plb that floats.
I use the spot to give my family piece of mind when traveling offshore. I like the us tow boat integration into the spot unit.
The difference between an EPIRB and a PLB is one goes with the boat, the other is on the person. If the boat sinks that is where the EPIRB will locate. The PLB should be attached to the body/PFD. You go in the water, it tracks you, not the boat.
I go to Batterys pluss and they make me a battery for my Epirb when mine needs one. Also have and use the Spot and have Mike at Sea Tow programed in it!
I have a SPOT and so far it has never failed to send a message. I’ll send one every 2 hrs or so to my contact list and it has worked flawlessly every time. That being said, I bought it as a back up.