EPIRB or PLB?

[Alisske]

What if you get knocked out and boat goes down. That cat 1 epirb can save your life. While a plb is great to have, a properly set up cat 1 epirb is the way to go, especially offshore.

Yeah. The knocked out part and getting tossed in the water is true. Having worked commercial boats and spent many hours out far, its my belief that if I am knocked out and Thrown off the boat hundreds of miles out, I’m as good as dead anyways.

I was teathered to boat, but Still

You can maybe cite studies and CG safety stuff. But in reality, my opinion is your a goner

 

[Diesel Jerry]

@MAArcher as an avid outdoorsman as you are I think a PLB would be best if not doing both.

 

[synergistic]

Yeah. The knocked out part and getting tossed in the water is true. Having worked commercial boats and spent many hours out far, its my belief that if I am knocked out and Thrown off the boat hundreds of miles out, I’m as good as dead anyways.

I was teathered to boat, but Still

You can maybe cite studies and CG safety stuff. But in reality, my opinion is your a goner

You probably are, I figure with a cat1 Atleast they know where and when you sank, and maybe they’ll find your body for family. I guess in a perfect situation with a cat 1 boat goes down instantly, it pops off u can focus on getting into a raft. And maybe you have a shot.

 

[PBianculli]

I suggest both if you are going offshore, just in case. Although not a replacement for either, an AIS flare is an option also. It will show anyone close to you with AIS your position

 

[P18Flirt]

I rep ACR int he northeast and would be happy to answer any questions. Lots of good input thus far from other folks.

PLB - Global rescue device registered to the person. Awesome safety piece of kit you can take boating, skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, etc... If you push the button they will find your position. Manual activation. Battery run time minimum 24-28 hrs.

EPIRB - Global rescue device registered to the boat. Cat I or Cat II as mentioned. Automatic activation wi/ manual as well. Battery run time minimum 48 hrs

MOB1 - AIS transponder that you install in inflatable life jacket. If you go over, PFD inflates and AIS is activated. This is a great local solution for wither the boat you came off, or other boats to see your MOB AIS signal. You can also program you MMSI # into the AIS transponder and it will do a DSC call to your VHF and sound alarm. Range is ~5 miles depending on conditions and will transmit for 24 hours.

Lots of great safety solutions... just find the one that is right for you and the type of boating you will be doing.

I carry a PLB view with me on my BHM 28 and Pointer 18 skiff... Easy to take boat to boat and provides the safety I need inshore.

 

[Spence]

I bought a McMurdo Plb from Gulf Coast Avionics with a promotion of free batteries for life. When the 5 year-$75 battery was due to be replaced, said I had to have filled out a form that they claimed came in the box. After multiple phone calls and emails both vendor and builder failed to meet their promise. Clearly I'm better off not having either company involved in my safety gear and won't do business with either again.

 

[TWF27214]

I always thought EPIRB was the best even though I never had to use one in an emergency situation. I sold my CAT1 with my last boat and ended up never replacing it for my new one. Technically I need a CAT2 but I have a PLB, Garmin Inreach, and handheld radio with GPS. Those all are on or near me offshore in a way that an EPIRB may not be and when I fish on someone else’s boat I bring on or a combination of the 3 and i can add my numbers to their float plan. I’ll get an EPIRB at some point soon to be compliant but in my opinion what I have is more accurate and safer so I’m happy to be offshore where I go with what I have. The other members here who fish with me know I’m anal/over the top with safety for what it’s worth.