PLB, EPIRB or an overwhelming belief that you are immortal.

[TOHATSU GURU]

Just a quick poll to determine the mind set of people in regards to electronic beacons. For the purpose of the poll please assume that you are boating on a large body of water where you could float for a week without seeing land or another boater and that you have a small child with you(one that you actually care about)

Assume that the price for each item is as below:

PLB $249.99
EPIRB $599.99

 

[jrampey]

Re: PLB, EPIRB or an overwhelming belief that you are immortal.

I've been thinking about an epirb... but, what is a PLB? Enlighten me. 100% of my time so far hs been on inland lakes, but, been thinking about salt water around Charleston, SC area. Maybe even a trip to titusville, Fl to see the shuttle launch. (I'd be launching from a ramp near the space port)

 

[dingbat]

Re: PLB, EPIRB or an overwhelming belief that you are immortal.

I've been thinking about an epirb... but, what is a PLB? Enlighten me. 100% of my time so far hs been on inland lakes, but, been thinking about salt water around Charleston, SC area. Maybe even a trip to titusville, Fl to see the shuttle launch. (I'd be launching from a ramp near the space port)

A PLB is just a pinger. No GPS info. The EPIRB sends out GPS location data

 

[NYBo]

Re: PLB, EPIRB or an overwhelming belief that you are immortal.

PLB = personal locator beacon
Sorry, dingbat, some PLBs do have built-in GPS.

I did, however, vote for having an EPIRB. If I could afford the boat appropriate for the hypothetical situation posed, the cost of one is relatively small potatoes- less than the cost of a tank of gas.

But I cast my vote before I saw the choice of having both (PLB for the ditch bag), which would be my real preference. :redface:

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: PLB, EPIRB or an overwhelming belief that you are immortal.

I think all the PLB's now have GPS. The ACR 2880, 2882 and 2884 and the McMurdo FastFind. The FastFinds are going for $229.99.

Quick background:

Epirbs and PLB's send the same signal. The difference is that an EPIRB is registered to your vessel where as a PLB is registered to an individual. There are other differences such as automatic activation versus manual, battery life, etc.

PLB's are smaller, cost less and can be used on land as a emergency beacon.
EPIRB's are water activated, float and last a few more hours.

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: PLB, EPIRB or an overwhelming belief that you are immortal.

Thinking about raising one more kid. Think I would go with a grenade with out a pin.