Where to put EPIRB?

[jsmith89]

I spent the past 4 days completely working over the boat. Finally got a EPIRB, its an ACR category 2. I also got a ditch bag and got it mounted. It has the pocket for the EPIRB but I know that it can be activated if its out of the mount and gets wet. I was wondering if it would be ok to keep in the ditch bag pocket even though it wouldn't be stored in the mount?

[one4water]

If it is automatic deployment where it automatically activates when wet or when it floats from its mount, I would say mount it where it can float free. If the worst happens fast you want it to activate immediatly. Especially if you are injured and not able to grab the bag and take it out. Ditch bags float so if you are knocked out and it is in the bag floating it may never get wet enough to turn on.

On the other hand, you want it to stay with you if you are in the water. Assuming you can grab the bag, you are good to go.

Not sure if this is a good idea, or even possible but can you mount it so it floats free but is tethered to the ditch bag? As long as the bag will float free then it will activate and stay with the bag. Just make sure you get to the bag.

[pmagrady]

1. I did not mount my EPERB. I have it in my ditch bag. That way it's with me if we have to get wet. I take the ditch bag off the boat at the end of the day so no one can take the bugger.

[petrel]

During two different inspections, the USCG strongly recommended that my epirb be mounted where it could float free in the event of a sinking. This struck me as odd, considering that mine is a manual release!

I'd prefer to keep mine in and tethered to my ditch bag, but instead, I bought a plb for the ditch bag, and will be mounting the epirb on the railing behind the helm chair.

[WEAKFISH]

When I bought my 31 NorthCoast it was mounted forward of the helm. I bought a ditchbag and put it in there. Just made more sense to me....Man I miss my boat!!!

[Max]

I keep mine in the ditch bag as well. It sounds like you have the Revere Ditch Bag with the external pocket which allows you quick access and no need to open the bag to retrieve it, so when it's go time it's all there.