PLB anyone
 

Anyone have experience with one of these?

AquaLink 406 MHz GPS PLB-350B

I'd hate to spend the $ on somthing I hope I never use but I fish alot at night and if I ever go overboard, I'll wish I had it.

Got a flyer that defender is having a warehouse sale 3/31 and was hoping this would go on sale.

Great piece of mind. I think you still have to manually activate it ?

I/m ready to get one also, I was looking at the small 210 fastfind, but it don't even float and and manually activated. 100 bucks cheaper might not be worth it.

Check here, I've been getting great prices.

ACR 2882 PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON

Oppppsss --- defender was cheaper

I keep one in my ditch bag as a backup to the boat mounted one. ( I also toss it in my bag when I fish on other peoples boats, just in case) I think they are a also good idea for small boats who don't have a boat mounted eprib. It is better than nothing. ACR is the way to go. They just don't have the battery life when fired up like the boat ones and they are manually fired up.

These are real epirbs unlike the spot devices.

Ebay is even cheaper.......308 free ship.

McMurdo is just as nice and slightly smaller along with being a little cheaper.

Its a wash on features/performance.

I've gone to the warehouse sale the last 2 yrs, I think they offer discounts there, 10% additional off (may not pay for the gas!)? ACR has had a booth.

I've heard that ARC is the best by far. I got one last year and the piece of mind is great

Jim:
the sale is pretty good, and the reps are there to talk with.

My FIL is a manager there, and my wife will be working the salt Sat/Sun for him

Anyone ever have batteries replaced in an EPIRB? Someone gave me one last week and the battery is expired.........

You can not do it yourself you have to send it in. There is a place in New Bedford that does it. I remember calling them last year and asking them about it. I have one unit that is coming up.

I remember the conversation a little...the bottom line with these units are that you should probably only replace the batteries once, after that they are pretty obsolete (almost 10 years)and you should get a new unit with fresh technology.

Also, if someone gave a used unit to you, you probably need to update the registration info.

Lot's of good deals out there on the older model ACR AquaFix personal Locator Beacon w/ Onboard GPS - 2797.4NH <$200

Good thinking Jimmy. To determine this piece of equipment's real-world value, just imagine how much you would be willing to pay for it if you were in the water, 10 miles offshore and nobody knew you were in trouble. I'd give them my home! I paid about $850 for and ACR EPIRB w/ GPS locate about 5 years ago and I have not once regretted it. Good luck on your hunt!

Battery replacement is not cheap !
$310 to replace mine for my boat last year.
Done every 5 years

WOW just looked that one up 185 on Amazon
:uhuh:

Jimmy, I have a similar one. We did a group buy a few years ago. Its a cheap life insurance policy if you ask me. When you are 50 miles offshore and something goes wrong you will be happy to have it. Plus you can take it on other's boats.

I am sure if we could ask those who didn't have one and perished at the hands of the sea they would ALL say they would have paid a million dollars for one. It is a no brainer and I am amazed how many people travel offshore without one.

The ability to take it on other boats is huge since it is assigned to you personally. For the cost IMO there is no excuse not to have this. I am amazed how many guys have $700 reels and little in the way of safety gear.

Still not bad. The EPIRB itself was Free. I have PLB too so having both for the extra $310 or so is well worth it. Where did (do) you get yours serviced?

There is a place in New Bedford that does it and I think it is about 100 bucks to service the Personal units. The battery is much larger in the fixed units as those have to be able to work for 24 hours after activated. The handhelds only work about 8 or so. (I can't recall exact numbers) , But the response time for USCG ususally < 1 hour, so unless you are fishing the Flemish Cap these handhelds are a decent choice for small boaters.

Look on the ACR website for your unit, they will have a service location, and then give them a call. I spoke to a guy about a year or so ago and he said they could do it, I recall asking him the amount but I don't recall the number exactly. If it was 310 I would just buy a new unit. You should be able to get 10 years (2 battery changes) out of these.

Sorry Sandman, My ACR PLB is not even a year old, the EPIRB that was given to me for free is what I was talking about getting serviced. The PLB & EPIRB are different.

Call LRSE

Nautical Safety Equipment: Life Rafts, Survival Equipment, Inflatable Boats - LRSE.com

Matt, thanks. Thats the kick in the a$$ I need.

ACR is releasing a new PLB in the next couple weeks: $279 for the unit and all free PLB functions. For $35/yr subscription it will send/communicate with other devices similar to the SPOT send messages "I'm OK", location, etc. They are awaiting final approval from the FCC.

ACR 2880 RESQLINK 406 PLB - Solution One Maritime, LLC

The link looks like its already for sale.
How would we know when its approved?

One the 1st page there is a link: "Notify me when available"
On the "More Information" page:
Expected availability has now been pushed back to 06-01-2011 Your order will be held until they become available.

I am not suggesting you buy via this site, just happened to one I found with the information. The guy I spoke with at Defender expected approval at any time and hope to start selling within 2 weeks.

Oh yea ..... DUH !!!