EPIRBs

[Stan]

My CD 28 came with 2 EPIRBs but no manuals and I have no experience with these devices. One is a Type C and appears to date from the late 1970s or early 1980s. The battery is dead. The other is a Type B, made by Guest I believe, and it dates from the mid 1980s. The battery still works when tested, but my surveyor said to replace it (the battery).

Are these worth replacing the batteries and keeping or are they obsolete? If they are obsolete, what should I get to replace them and what will it cost me? What is the difference between Type C and Type B?

Thank you.



smwheatley@capecod.net

[Bill Goldsmith]

I would not bother spending any money on those EPIRBs. Recent advances in EPIRB technology have given us the 406 MHZ EPIRBs that are far superior to the old 121.5 MHZ models. They can transmit boat information as well as much more accurate position indication using a dedicated GPS. And the satellite system stores the info which can be repeatedly accessed by rescuers until no longer needed--if the batteries die the previously transmitted data is still available to the Coast Guard. The old ones transmit a beacon that can be triangulated but contains no boat info, and must be located real-time--if the batteries die you're finished.

See the following West Advisor for more info:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/commer ... tore_num=8

If I were going offshore I would take the money otherwise to be spent on fixing up the old EPIRBs and rent one of the new 406's. I believe BOAT/US has rentals by the week for those who venture offshore only occasionally. I haven't ever used one either but I have read a bit about them. Maybe others with hands on experience will chime in here!

For coastal sailing I would rely on my VHF, my backup handheld VHF, flares, etc.

Bill

My CD 28 came with 2 EPIRBs but no manuals and I have no experience with these devices. One is a Type C and appears to date from the late 1970s or early 1980s. The battery is dead. The other is a Type B, made by Guest I believe, and it dates from the mid 1980s. The battery still works when tested, but my surveyor said to replace it (the battery).

Are these worth replacing the batteries and keeping or are they obsolete? If they are obsolete, what should I get to replace them and what will it cost me? What is the difference between Type C and Type B?

Thank you.

goldy@bestweb.net

[Stan]

Thanks Bill. I checked out the West Marine web site and they still sell Class B EPIRBs for "recreational coastal cruising." This accurately describes the type of sailing I plan to be doing this summer. The cheapest 406 mhz EPIRB was $850.00. At that price, I will continue to use the Class B that came with the boat for the time being. I am persuaded that a 406 mhz is a must for offshore cruising, however, and your suggestion to rent one as needed is an excellent idea. I see no reference to a Class C EPIRB so I assume that one is completely obsolete.



smwheatley@capecod.net