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I think I want a type II (manual deploy) internal GPS engine unit.
I really do not see the point of having a unit which requires being attached to a GPS via a cable (hand held GPS or otherwise) in an emergency. Readhing above my ehad to grab the GPS mounted underneath the hard-top near the rocket launchers seems reasonable.
Am I wrong? Please explain the pros/cons to this situation.
You got it right. If you are set on getting a GPS, go with a Type 2 GPIRB. Stick with ACR as McMurdo recently got bad press (do a search to find a link to the article from survival specialists). If you are not dead set on an EPIRB, consider a raft and a sat phone with a handheld GPS...EPIRBs never kept anyone afloat.
ACR Model 2744 GlobalFix Cat II. I just this week purchased mine from YachtJim on THT. There's nothing but pro's imo about having an EPIRB. Even more pro's as to having life raft and EPIRB. For my fishing and boating, I didn't need nor wanted to afford an expensive near shore or offshore life raft. I purchased a good quality raft for about 1/10th the price and an epirb. I fish the normal run of fishing lanes for boats coming and going. For my use, this has to be enough for right now. I also purchased the Standard HX 260 Handheld VHF for the ditch bag. This model rated well in the test, simple to use and has dual power features.
According to the ACR website, the RapidFix model (non-internal GPS, uses GPS interface) can begin to transmit your current location the fastest of all models...even faster than the GlobalFix. The reason is that the GlobalFix needs time for the internal GPS to warm up. For my money, I want the fastest position fix transmission possible.
Purchased a medium sized 2-man raft from Sam's club. It's certainly not to be mistaken for a offshore raft survival raft. It floats and is made of a heavy canvas like material. I don't want to ever test it off shore but certainly hoping I won't spend too much time in it. My ditch bag has the globalfix epirb and handheld vhf with 18 spare akaline batteries. Orion safety kit for nearshore with extra 12 ga and 25mm flares and launcher, MagLite's, signaling mirrors and 1/2 gal of water. I might even put in a copy of the 23 psalm. Oh one more thing. Since the wife unit doesn't ever come along, I have an extra Sospender autoflate just for the ditch bag. Not the best of things, but like I said, it will have to do for now.
As for epirbs, obviously I feel it's better to have an internal GPS. Without a doubt the interfaced GPS will transmit your coordinates a few minutes faster, it will be the last known coordinates. I can't remember right off hand the time interval, but the internal gps will update your position at these intervals. Harry can tell you how that works from the responder's perspective. As I understand it, the searchers go towards the last known spot and search utilizing the 121 MHz band. They then ask for an update if they need one. But for real life procedures, again Harry or other SAR members can tell you more.
Just received a flier in todays mail from BoatUS. Discontinued EPIRBS will be onsale at 50% off! Besides being out of production, does anyone see a problem with buying one of these? I have no idea which brands/models this includes.
-Scott
PS - Harry, can you beleive I still cannot get the freak'n Navman to work right!
I agree with Round2it. I bought the internal GPS EPIRB for that reason. The one that relies on external data is only as good as the last set of numbers it received. The ACR updates every 20 minutes. At 30 miles per hour, that's ten miles. If you end up in the water and there are currents, add some more distance.
To me, I did not want to be worried about making sure the GPS was connected to the EPIRB every trip. I have the GPIRB in my ditch bag along with a handheld GPS and VHF. I also have whistles, mirrors, a flashlight, and various lights (flashing and constant) which are attached to life jackets. I also have spare batteries. Part of the idea of safety is redundancy. The handheld GPS and internal GPS EPIRB provide that.
If I need the safety gear quickly, I only need to grab the bag.
I would call Boat US and ask what the difference is between the discontinued and the newer versions. The only other thing is that the batteries last for five years and then need to be replaced. Make sure the discontinued unit is not old.
Special-K. Just be sure it is not one of the McMurdo units. When you need an EPIRB, you need one that you can have confidence in and that means ACR. Nothing wrong with the discontunied ACR units.
Just received a flier in todays mail from BoatUS. Discontinued EPIRBS will be onsale at 50% off! Besides being out of production, does anyone see a problem with buying one of these? I have no idea which brands/models this includes.
-Scott
The only problem may be finding a store that has any. Did a check and no stores in my area have any in stock.
Good Luck
__________________ "Sure glad we had that raft Tim!"
Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin
To be effective in today’s environment, the epirb needs to have both the 406 MHz signal which can be detected by the SARSAT orbiting satellites and/or the GOES satellites. The 406 signal can be detected by both the orbiting satellites and stationary ones and it has the individual data for your vessel, if registered with COSPAS-SARSAT as required. The 406 signal and data is relayed to ground stations immediately upon activation. The 121.5 MHz signal can be detected by both but ONLY if a satellite is within range of the beacon AND a ground station simultaneously. The 121.5 signal was designed for alerting overflying aircraft and is excellent for use as a homing signal. The 406 signal is not suitable for homing.
I would suspect that the outdated epirbs for sale are the 121.5 MHz. Those were the earlier versions and are not very effective. The newest technology is the 406 MHz that transmit identification and position by either internal or external gps. This gives and accuracy of approx 100 meters with an estimated 5 minute notification. It also has the 121.5 MHz homing beacon.
Looking to buy an EPIRB 
photob
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Not the best of things, but like I said, it will have to do for now.
