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Random Quote: You can have it fast, cheap or right. Pick two.
I've seen this unit, which comes with an integral GPS offered for sale for $300. Have you guys looked at it? If you think it's any good (Why would anybody buy a lousy PLB?), can you offer it up at that price?
The Fastfind plus has the integrated GPS and retails for $550 while the standard Fastfind does not have GPS. McMurdo has a new PLB with GPS waiting for FCC approval that is going to retail for under $300. I have been sent an early spec sheet and I was impressed by the compact size and also it come with a strobe light. Coming soon! Brian
The Fast Find with GPS sounds like a great product but isn't its utility diminished by the fact that it has to be held upright to perform properly? If I'm tossed into rough seas after a mishap this might be a problem.
David,
You make a valid point but this new unit we were talking about for $300 comes with a strobe and floats upright. I beleive FCC just approved this so it will be out very shortly. I generally recommend a PLB for coastal boating or boat to boat use. Blue water boaters should consider a standard EPIRB. Thanks, Brian
Well, technically it works on the same technology. Even if you can expect a relatively quick rescue, it won't seem very quick with a pfd on clutching an EPIRB or PLB. I always say a life raft and EPIRB go hand in hand. You can be in a life raft without an EPIRB and no one knows to come look for you, or you can be in the water without a life raft and rescue won't seem so quick. Getting out of the water is huge. JC, you are correct, a floatation sock is available soon and it is still recommended you attach the lanyard to your person and point antenna up unobstructed. Thanks, Brian
1- Velcro on the back of the PLB and velcro on your lifevest.
2- If you have a ditch bag throw a neoprene dive hood in there. Not only will it keep you a heck of a lot warmer than without one but you can then velcro the PLB right to the top of your head. Aquaseal glues velcro great to neoprene.
Just note how the antenna needs to be positioned on that McMurdo 210. Note the cautions about not letting it tip over or get in a puddle of water. Note the work you have to do to deploy it. I looked at this thing at the Miami Show and just didn't see the functionality for an emergency on the water. If you think your calamities are going to take place in calm seas and fair weather, with no other stresses on you than to unwind this thing and hold it in place, then more power to you!
Something like their Max G or ACR's ResQFix, in a life raft, makes more sense to me. This is in addition to a proper EPIRB, of course. The idea of a hood in the ditch bag is a good one, but the velcro to hood or PFD is not going to keep the antenna positioned correctly out there in the too real world.
All your points are valid. It even states on their spec sheet it is not recommended for use on the water as a primary unit. Really, the bottom line is this is an inexpensive PLB, good for someone who hikes, perhaps is a guest on boats or as a ditchbag item in addition to your standard EPIRB. Or as you pointed out perhaps packing in a life raft, since really only a small percentage of life rafts have any communication devices packed at all. It's like having a platform raft when you should have an offshore life raft, it is certainly better than nothing at all. Brian
McMurdo Fastfind 
