EPIRB mounting location

[Don and Brenda]

I was given a Catagory 1 EPIRB as a Christmas gift last year and now that I have a bigger boat the question is mounting location. A catagory 1 is in a plastic case that on a boat sinking ejects the locating device. It has to be in an area where it can eject, therefore under the bimini is not a good location, any ideas?

Don

 

[RProffer]

How big is the device? What does it look like? What is the make and model? With this information, we might be able to make recommendations.

 

[JamVox]

Should be around 7.0”H x 4.2”W x 3.6”D.

 

[Don and Brenda]

Actually it is about 12" high in the case. It is ACR Pro

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... sNum=50206

 

[RProffer]

The link you gave indicates you have a Category I EPIRB. The Category I device automatically deploys itself when the boat sinks. When the boat sinks to a depth of 4 to 13 feet, the EPIRB deploys and floats to the surface and begins sending emergency signals. This means you must put the EPIRB in a location where it can float free. This leaves out almost anywhere in the cockpit if you use a Bimini top. There are several restrictions in the manual for where the EPIRB should be located. If you do not have the manual, here it is online. http://www.acrartex.com/media/products/1571/97201281933318/Y1-03-0242D.pdf.

If you instead have the Category II EPIRB, then it does NOT get automatically deployed. I recommend you put the EPIRB in your ditch bag.

 

[Don and Brenda]

We do have a cat 1, so am thinking where to attach on the cabin roof. rails etc. Whe I get the to the boat next since it is in Washington and I am in Calif. I will take the unit and try different mounting locations, or I may buy the bracket and convert it to a Cat 2 unit and mount it in the cabin.

 

[RProffer]

Well, you do not "have to" mount it. You can always put it in your ditch bag and activate it manually. Just make sure your ditch bag floats and you tie the EPIRB to the bag. Also, your ditch bag should have some way of attaching to your life jacket so it does not float away.

 

[Don and Brenda]

This is more or less what I do now. I have it sitting on the dash outside the case, so yes I would grab and go, it has a cord to attach to a dinghy or lifevest, si I may just continue to use it in this mode instead of the mounting route.

Thanks