BOE and others - which EPIRB or PLB will fit my needs?

[ndb8fxe]

Just upgraded to a little of a bigger boat so my offshore adventures will be more frequent. I'm thinking of getting an EPIRB for Christmas. The boat is a Sailfish 2360. I typically fish within 15 miles of shore but head out farther in the summer if fishing requires it.

Can you recommend a EPIRB model? Or would a PLB suffice? Obviously I want it to work, but am budget minded as well.

Thanks,

[yachtjim]

A PLB and EPIRB ultimately do the same thing as far as calling the cavalry. The difference is a PLB requires you to hold it in the air (out of the water), and an EPIRB willl float. Also, a PLB will only last 24 hours vs a EPIRB for 48.

I always tell people a Cat II EPIRB should be your primary and first device. This is the type you manually pull out of the cradle or ditch bag and toss it in the water so it activates. You can also manually activate it on deck. A Cat I EPIRB is the kind that floats free and activates once the boat sinks. These are a great backup device but I don't like it as the primary device because what if your boat burns? The EPIRB will burn right up with it. I like a CAT II that you can grab and toss in.

If you don't want to spend on a Cat II then a PLB is your next best option. Just remember, if you dislocated your shoulder or broke and arm in the process of trying to handle the onboard emergency you may now be treading water with one arm while trying to hold the PLB up in the air. A stretch, sure. But your boat sinking is a stretch too. Might as well be prepared for the worst.

Best option ACR Globalfix Pro 2844 http://www.boemarine.com/acr-globalfix-pro-406-mhz-gps-epirb-cat-ii/

2nd Best ACR ResQFix PLB 2881 - http://www.boemarine.com/acr-2881-resqlink-plb-floats-w-o-pouch-usa-canada-sales-only/

[ndb8fxe]

Thank you very much Jim.