Who's using PLB's (Personal Locator Beacon) on their boat?

[Murphjup]

I know this has been covered before... But I thought I'd try again.. I'm considering getting one...

Just curious who is using a PLB as a locator?

Thank you in advance...

[barrell]

I hope I never use it but I bought a pain wessex plb for my 21 footer I take 30 miles out. Its the same unit the coast guard bought for all crew members. About $325

[zackl93]

I think if you fish out in the ocean it should be a must. God forbid you should ever have to use it, but if you do, you will be glad that you invested in one.
Zack

[Cracker]

I have an ACR PLB. To me its a no brainer..

[rotordriver]

I think the question is, How many people have an epirb and how many have a PLB?

[socuban]

[ccat]

I also have an ACR PLB with internal GPS

[Major Woods]

I opted for a PLB as I also use it for hiking and hunting in some far out areas as well as my boat.

[shortwave]

barrell - 7/5/2007 I hope I never use it but I bought a pain wessex plb for my 21 footer I take 30 miles out. Its the same unit the coast guard bought for all crew members. About $325

While the McMurdo Pains Wessex PLB is the least expensive PLB on the market, if you have the same model that the Coast Guard bought for all crew members then you should hope that your hope comes true as you are likely not aware that the McMurdo Pains Wessex PLB is the ONLY PLB or EPIRB of any manufacturer that failed the Coast Guard/NOAA reliabillity tests.

Unfortunately for Coast Guard personnel, the McMurdo Pains Wessex PLB's they purchased took place prior to the Coast Guard/NOAA reliability tests.

You can read about it here: http://www.equipped.com/406beacontest.htm. Of the 6 units tested, the McMurdo Pains Wessex Fastfind Plus 406 MHz Personal Location Beacon was the only EPIRB to fail.

You can read more here: http://www.equipped.org/406_GPS_beac...eport_2005.pdf

In addition to the transmitting problems encountered by the McMurdo Pains Wessex units, there were other anomolies with their PLB's. For example, the test report says that: During the inspection of the beacons prior to the trials commencing, two (McMurdo Pains Wessex) Fastfind Plus PLBs were observed to have small cracks in the upper part of the case near the lanyard retention / battery retaining point.

Here is a statement from McMurdo Pains Wessex: "We encourage anyone with a Precision GPS EPIRB or McMurdo Fastfind Plus PLB that has not yet been upgraded to contact McMurdo: Toll Free Telephone: 1-800-576-2605 Telephone: 561-819 2600 Email: sales@mcmpw.com, or McMurdo Pains Wessex Inc. 200 Congress Park Drive Suite 102 Delray Beach Florida 33445"

You can find a lot more if you do a google search.

[seeyalater]

I just ordered a ACR AQUAFIX 406 with GPS onboard from BOE for $475.00 shipped. You cant even find them used on ebay for that price.

http://www.byownerelectronics.com/st...6&cat=0&page=1

[Sea Tow Ethan]

I carry an Aquafix 406 w/GPS in the pocket of my lifejacket, which I wear every time I get underway (every day).

[jbg108]

I have an Epirb for the boat but fish offshore alone often. When I do I always wear my infatable vest with a PLB attatched. I figure it's only a matter of time before I'm watching the boat troll away from me on auto pilot.

[Schmaltz~Herring]

Aquafix

[Hooked Up]

Have one..Carry it on the boat wrapped around the T-top on days with more POBs on board. If solo, carry it with me along an inflatable PFD

[solarfry]

I believe a vhf and gps with dss should take care of radiating your position to all boats within 14 miles. Coasties can receive up to almost 70 miles. In my case I am rarely more than 60 miles from Coasties. Gentlemen engage your dss..

[monobill]

Only get to run offshore once a year, so rent mine at, www.liferaftrental.com

At $39. plus $1.90 day that is cheap insurance.

If I had more opportunity I would own one, but until them I will rent. They deliver to the house we stay on time and with no problems.

Best deal I have found considering everything else about boating. For less than $80. the CG will pluck my ass out of the water once everything is gone, I like that!

If nothing else, it would give you something to mess with while waiting for help. Beats looking for sharks!

Monobill

[Murphjup]

monobill - 7/6/2007 4:38 PM

Only get to run offshore once a year, so rent mine at, www.liferaftrental.com

At $39. plus $1.90 day that is cheap insurance.

If I had more opportunity I would own one, but until them I will rent. They deliver to the house we stay on time and with no problems.

Best deal I have found considering everything else about boating. For less than $80. the CG will pluck my ass out of the water once everything is gone, I like that!

If nothing else, it would give you something to mess with while waiting for help. Beats looking for sharks!

Monobill

Funny you mention Sharks, that thought has run across my mind, I don't think I want to be in the water any longer than I have to be...

Do they make PLB/Shark repellents?

[CAP1]

Aquafix w/ internal GPS.

Hodges Marine has some of the best prices out there. $559 for the Resqfix and $465 for the Aquafix if I recall correctly. BOE also has some very good prices.

Definitely a must have safety item. EPIRB as well.

[thataway]

Two ACR Aquafix/GPS carried aboard when offshore. Also two hand held submersiable hand held radios and two waterproof strobe lights.

[oldmako]

I bought a McMurdo last week. The failed test occured several years ago and the units have been upgraded and retested since then. They all passed.

Buy a Mcmurdo this year and save the coupon. In five years you send them the coupon and they send you a new battery....free. You install it.

Buy the ACR and in five years mail the unit and 250 bucks back to ACR. You cannot replace it.