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1. 

   KiwiBird
   Member

   A new thread, since they'll be compulsory next year.

   What have you got? What do you recommend? Advice for a new PLB owner?

   I have the McMurdo FastFind Plus, with built-in 406 GPS. I paid just over $500 for it six years ago. It fits prefectly in the left hand pocket of my Kokatat MsFit PFD (with its stetchy lanyard clipped to that pocket's zip. My SPOT stays on the boat). The battery needs replacing every five years (if you've used it or not), which I did just prior to this year's EC. That cost about $140, I think it was. There are no annual "subscription" fees, like SPOT. You register your unit with NOAA, who send update/confirmation forms and a NOAA serial number every year or so, to make sure they still have your correct contact details.

   I NEVER kayak without it.

   KB

   Posted 1 year ago #
2. 

   CleanSlate
   Member

   I got the ACR ResQLink 406.  It works similarly as the McMurdo FastFind Plus. Just the up-front cost.  Register it at NOAA.  Replace battery every few years. The ResQLink and McMurdo are both about the same size.  The ResQLink is newer but the McMurdo is a bit less expensive now. 

   I paid around $280 at REI for my ResQLink.

   

   Posted 1 year ago #
3. 

   DancesWithSandyBottom
   Member

   SandyBottom and SOS are each carrying a ResQLink in their PFDs.

   --Paul

   Posted 1 year ago #
4. 

   Badger
   Member

   I used a grommet and a velcro strap to attach Hoa's PLB to her lifejacket. Link is here. It worked well.

   Posted 1 year ago #
5. 

   DolphinGal
   Member

   I bought the ACR ResQLink mid-February this year and registered it with NOAA at no cost. Light, compact, highly-visible da-glo yellow.  Tethered it to PFD and tucked it into one of the pockets to keep it out of the way.

   Posted 1 year ago #
6. 

   Danito
   Member

   i owe....i owe.... and off to work I go...hhmmmm hhhmmmhmmmm whistle whistle.  My wife is going to kill me. I'll try to sell her chief's idea that its cheaper than life insurance.  In all seriousness It was in my gearlist and you can almost see it coming with all the reported spot fails. 

   Danny

   Posted 1 year ago #
7. 

   DogPaddler
   Member

   Danito,

   I have a McMurdo PLB.  It doesn't come with a lanyard so that was an extra cost.  Lots of online discounters for both units.

   The ACR seems like a better deal with a few extras.

   1. they have a 50 dollar rebate going on now.

   2.  The Resqlink 375  ( new model 2881 floats)  and it has a lanyard.

   Your wife should appreciate the extra security unless you have a very lucrative life insurance policy on yourself...   Enjoyed watching your videos.

   Brad

   Posted 1 year ago #
8. 

   Danito
   Member

   Thanks Brad.

   Posted 1 year ago #
9. 

   SailBirdMike
   Member

   Has there been an official announcement regarding PLB's yet?  We're going to be using them next year anyway, as I find the SPOT about as trustworthy as a foam rubber anchor (imagine the fallout if the SPOT company manufactured PARACHUTES!), but I must have missed the announcement.

   Posted 1 year ago #
10. 

    KayakSurfer
    Member

    Chief posted something in SewSews gear review thread

    http://watertribe.org/forums/topic/ec-2012-sewsew-report

    Posted 1 year ago #
11. 

    Coastie
    Member

    ClamCounter and I on the Miss Marie (Hobie Getaway) had the FastFind 210 GPS PLB. It fits perfectly in our zippered pockets of our Drifter Stohlquist lifevest.  Read the Coastie saga and you'll see we used it.  Easy to use, small, and it definitely works.  I am in contact with the manufacturer now, and they are going to "refurbish/fix/change battery/or whatever" if I mail it in.....for free....with perhaps a short story of how it worked.  As a retired Coastie, I cannot over emphasize how important an EPIRB/PLB is.  Even if you are close to shore, with radio and flares, you never know when you need a quick response (ie, injury, hypothermia, etc). An EPIRB hit (satellite position) will require a rescue coordination center to respond.  Don't leave home without it.

    Posted 1 year ago #
12. 

    SailBirdMike
    Member

    Thanks for the link to Chiefs' comment.... I'm good with it!

    Posted 1 year ago #
13. 

    WaterbugTwo
    Member

     MCMURDO
    FastFind 210 PLB GPS , doesn't float but says it's waterproof. Five year battery, for $214.00 at West Marine, likely cheaper elsewhere.

    Posted 1 year ago #

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