To buy or not to buy 406 Automatic Epirb

[TheBandit]

I run a 23 CC offshore and I am in the market for an Epirb. I found one that is older but has never been used. It is a 1998 model that has been properly maintained and registered. The guy is asking $350. Good deal or not???

[jtburf]

Good deal or not you answer this and you tell us if it's a good deal ....Exactly how much dollar value do you put on your life , your family's life and friends life's ...... so is 350.00 a good value .....you have a 23'contender I think you can afford a new in the box epirb .....John

[TheBandit]

How much does this model cost new? And are the older models reliabile? I ask b/c I have no clue.

[trouty]

Deal of the century, when it saves your life.

The battery can be replaced on EPIRBS, they get tested and are good to go again for another 5 or so years.

That said, you can probably get a new one for ~US$1K, - so whats it cost to repower and test/ recertify/re register the old unit he's offering you to a new owner?

You might find he's done his sums and figures it's cheaper to sell the old one - and buy a new one and the difference is close to what the above messing around to make the old one good again will be.

You need to do your homework is all.

406 Epirb is like American Express Gold Credit Card - you should never leave home without it!

Cheers!

[TheBandit]

A captian here in CHarleston said it was under $50 to get the maintenance done and have it registered.

[Hitch]

Does that price include a new battery???

[dry doc]

second opinion...bad buy!...you want all of the
technology that has occurred in the last five;
years....specifically, you want GPIRB, not epirb
...gpirb takes the s out of s-n-r dan

[worldcat270te]

get a new one it doesn't have to be auto though but 406 with gps in it is a must

[Seacurity]

I purchased the ACR Globalfix 406, expensive but it has a built in GPS and a 5 year warranty. It was Powerboat reports top pick among many others in there June issue.

[Bobk]

I don't think that a purchase for $350 is a good deal. I bought a new ACR Rapid Fix - Manual w/GPS interface for $500. Besides the price you should also consider improvements that have been made since 1998.

[FishBut]

Bandit - similar issue. I was looking on EBAY for used EPIRBs, but finally decided I should go with new, ACR Globalfix. I thought if I was floating around with my kids 20 mi. offshore, I wanted quick and accurate notification. Cost about $835 and I hope I have wasted my money.

[worldcat270te]

fishbut and trouter are on the money they bought the one i am going to get. and yeah i hope i am wasting my money too. after seeing all the sharkes in the water i have; wow i don't want to be in there long.

[dry doc]

here on the chesapeake, we are fortunate that
the sharks are localized to the service areas
of marinas....once you get on the water, you
are home free. dan

[camp]

I just had the battery replaced in my ACR EPIRB - cost $300 (had the work done in hometown Jax FL but ACR quoted me the same price if I sent it to them for replacement).
My advice - get a new EPIRB with GPS.