|
Post by nickbhw on Sept 27, 2022 11:00:46 GMT -5
Now that I have a ride that can get me through the inlet and a few decent fishing rods, I'm going to be heading into the ocean more often. I was looking at the ACR GlobalFix V4, or maybe one of those loaded up ditch bags with the PLB included. I probably won't go out too far for at least another season, but figured that I should have something just in case. Any thoughts on this model or any other models to consider? Get the whole kit or just the EPIRB?
|
|
|
Post by fishnfool on Sept 27, 2022 11:25:25 GMT -5
Get the one with the longest battery life. I have both a PLB and an ACR EPIRB Global Fix. The ACR has a 10 yr battery life and can be replaced by the owner. My PLB has like a 4 yr battery life and it has to be sent out to be replaced.
Get a ditch bag anyway and stock it.
|
|
|
Post by outtadblue on Sept 27, 2022 11:32:56 GMT -5
X2 with what fishnfool said. Get both. I have a plb, epirb and just picked up a garmin inreach. I really like the ability to communicate and have the sos option with the inreach. You will find once you start venturing out, you will end up going further and further.
|
|
|
Post by nickbhw on Sept 27, 2022 13:17:31 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by fishnfool on Sept 27, 2022 13:39:45 GMT -5
I have a manual deployment and a Searsucker mount for it.
My PLB stays in the ditch bag.
One is better than none.
|
|
|
Post by finatic on Sept 27, 2022 14:19:47 GMT -5
Another option these days are a Garmin in reach they track you every 10 minutes send coordinates to the people you're linked up to and you can reach anybody anywhere. Great for sharing fishing coordinates without having the fleet end up where you're fishing
|
|
|
Post by nickbhw on Sept 27, 2022 14:44:08 GMT -5
I looked into the Garmins too. Is that in addition to, or instead of the EPIRB? Right now, I'm lucky because no one wants to fish in my spots. Or maybe I'm unlucky because that's where I've been fishing.
|
|
|
Post by finatic on Sept 27, 2022 14:59:09 GMT -5
I looked into the Garmins too. Is that in addition to, or instead of the EPIRB? Right now, I'm lucky because no one wants to fish in my spots. Or maybe I'm unlucky because that's where I've been fishing. Lmao,, I would think in addition. But like I said your wife or girl friend would know exactly where you are every 10 min. Last winter I accidentally while testing in my truck set off the ACR epirb rescue link. Oh my God what a s*** show I had the Navy the main Coast Guard out of Boston and local Guard all calling my house within 5 minutes. What a bone head award I got for that move. On a brighter note they do work very well, take my word, lol
|
|
|
Post by hookedup on Sept 27, 2022 19:55:25 GMT -5
I looked into the Garmins too. Is that in addition to, or instead of the EPIRB? Right now, I'm lucky because no one wants to fish in my spots. Or maybe I'm unlucky because that's where I've been fishing. I've got the inReach and 2-PLBs. 1 PLB on my inflatable and a portable VHF and PLB in the ditch bag.. I had an EPIRB on a previous boat, but couldn't find a good place for one on the 245DC that was easy to access, but also could be secured.
I've set the three pre-canned messages so one lets the Admiral know when and where I caught a fish, another saying I'll be late, but all is okay. The last one is for her to contact Sea Tow including their number and my location. I would follow that up with a non pre-canned message stating the problem. Haven't had to use the last one and hope I never do. We're very happy with the inReach as we lose phone connections about 10 miles offshore.
Oh, I didn't get that update every 10 minutes feature due to monthly cost and wouldn't really use it much. Using the pre-canned provides location and map capability just fine.
|
|
|
Post by nickbhw on Sept 28, 2022 7:40:24 GMT -5
Last winter I accidentally while testing in my truck set off the ACR epirb rescue link. Oh my God what a s*** show I had the Navy the main Coast Guard out of Boston and local Guard all calling my house within 5 minutes. What a bone head award I got for that move. On a brighter note they do work very well, take my word, lol
LOL. Were you getting ready to go out, or was it just a random day? I can imagine my wife getting those calls. "He's fishing!?!? He said he was going to Home Depot to get a wrench to fix the water heater."
But, that story is reassuring. I was confident that they are on top of the distress signals, but it's nice to hear it from first hand experience.
|
|
|
Post by nickbhw on Sept 28, 2022 7:48:13 GMT -5
I looked into the Garmins too. Is that in addition to, or instead of the EPIRB? Right now, I'm lucky because no one wants to fish in my spots. Or maybe I'm unlucky because that's where I've been fishing. I've got the inReach and 2-PLBs. 1 PLB on my inflatable and a portable VHF and PLB in the ditch bag.. I had an EPIRB on a previous boat, but couldn't find a good place for one on the 245DC that was easy to access, but also could be secured.
I've set the three pre-canned messages so one lets the Admiral know when and where I caught a fish, another saying I'll be late, but all is okay. The last one is for her to contact Sea Tow including their number and my location. I would follow that up with a non pre-canned message stating the problem. Haven't had to use the last one and hope I never do. We're very happy with the inReach as we lose phone connections about 10 miles offshore.
Oh, I didn't get that update every 10 minutes feature due to monthly cost and wouldn't really use it much. Using the pre-canned provides location and map capability just fine.
I would be using it for a 245DC as well. I figured that I could have the EPIRB in a ditch bag in the helm console, and the PLB in the 'glove box' right at the helm. Do the 10 minute updates get uploaded onto the app? So the Mrs can install the app and see my last location?
|
|
|
Post by hookedup on Sept 28, 2022 8:49:14 GMT -5
I didn't get the tracking feature, so I don't remember how it works. Pretty sure they have the info on the web site, probably on the monthly subscription options. The pre-canned messages include a link to a map and your location on that map along with the latitude and longitude and an option to respond. I send them to the Admiral and have it set up to copy me so I can look at them when I get back.
|
|
|
Post by nickbhw on Oct 4, 2022 12:32:48 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. Epirb and PLB are ordered.
|
|