EPIRBs

[weekender]

For the small boater, which kind is best?

Should it mount to the boat (where) or should it be carried on the person?

Should it auto activate or manual?

How do you test them?

Do they have to be registered?

Who knows their EPIRBs? please help those like me that don't know but want to. I have thought about the expense that has kept me from buying one and decided that if I can't afford one, I can't afford to fish.

[dolphinfrenzi]

Greg call me I can help you and you can have my old one just get the battery reconditioned. I bought a new one. And yes they have to be registered. I will help you will all of that. Call me Scott

[Nauti Natured]

Would still like to hear comments on this subject and I think it would be valuable for everyone else as well. I am looking for one as well.

[clt_capt]

The registration will provide contact information - in case it goes off accidentally and will get a quicker response.

Most EPIRBS I'm aware of will auto activate when submerged.

The think you have to think about is whether you want an auto release bracket or a manual bracket - auto release will let the EPIRB Float free if submerged (3 ft in my case) - The auto release bracket needs to be positioned so that the EPIRB can float free

If money were no object, I'd have individual PLBs (Personal Locator Beacon) on everyone + an auto release EPIRB on my Hardtop. As it is, I have an auto-release bracket for my epirb on the flybridge, and I can manually release it by pulling 1 pin and grabbing the epirb.

[ncjawbreaker]

I have one of the larger 406 EPIRBS that I keep near me at all times in my ditch bag. I never leave shore without it. I think it cost aboit 700+. Well worth the money. Mine is an ACR product

[weekender]

THANKS Dolphin Frenzy, now that is one heck of friend. Thanks for the other responses as well.

[juicyhook]

As per coast guard Regs. Electronic position indicating radiobeacons.

Epirbs must be able to float free and clear of the vessel if captsized.

Must be Ck'd monthly.

Is required to be registered to the vessel it occupies.

Will begin transmitting when submurged.

[dolphinfrenzi]

I would rather know you and Kay are safe than it just sit in my house and collect dust you are too good of a friend to me and my family. Like I said I bought a new one cause you know my addiction to electronics LOL LOL No problem what so ever good buddy I will take the bracket and all off this weekend to get it in the mail to you when I put the new one on. In the mean time call ACR or go to their web site to find out where to send it, if you have any troubles I may have the # to where you need to send it. I believe it takes a couple of weeks Thanks Greg you take care, when it comes back just register it where I told you and you will be ready to roll.

[T-Bone123]

I have a manual release ACR. I decided against the auto deploy because the boat actually has to sink a few feet below the surface to deploy and many times center console boats do not sink. They turn over and will float upside down with the trapped air and may or may not deploy. I have mine mounted where it is easily accessible in the console and also have a PLB in the ditch bag. Make sure you get one with internal GPS.

[Bodie]

i keep my acr 406 in a ditch bag in the coffin box on the deck in the same place my 6 man valise liftraft. I didnt attached to boat due to i didnt want it to get stolen when someone walked by and saw it.