EPIRB or PLB Recommendation

[oceaneyes]

Hi Everyone, I'm looking to purchase an Epirb or PLB or OLAS Mob System and I've love your advice. My wife and I are waiting until our 4 month old is a little older and bigger (to fit the life jacket) and then we want to start exploring the Chesapeake on our new to us C28. I've never owned an epirb or plb before but I'm rampin g up our preventative maintenance and safety now that we have a kiddo. I welcome any advice on which setup to purchase as well as boating with a child. Thank you in advance!

More battery life, can be mounted in the cabin: https://www.amazon.com/GlobalFix-2844-C ... 163&sr=8-6

Smaller, more portable, less battery: https://www.amazon.com/ACR-ResQLink-400 ... B002RMCWFU

PLB with OLAS Tag: https://www.amazon.com/RESQLINK-400-PLB ... 620&sr=8-4

 

[BradOwens]

We have an Ocean Signal Rescue Me EPIRB 1. Very compact and lower cost than others we looked at with similar features.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

as I understand it, there are personal beacons - the PLB's for helping find people in the water, and there are EPIRBs that are designed for the boat/group in the event of an emergence and VHF/Cell signal is unavailable.

both are viable options but have different uses.

 

[Jim and Jackie]

I’ve sailed and boated on the Chesapeake for 50 years and never felt the need for an Epirb. Have had one always when we’re offshore. A PLB is a personal choice if it makes you feel safer go for it. Don’t worry about boating with a small child they are easier when they are not as mobile. Our son was on a boat at six weeks.

Jim Demerest
2010 R29 Chessie

 

[BradOwens]

The main differences between EPIRBs and PLBs are that:

EPIRBs have a minimum 48 hr transmit battery life vs 24 hrs for PLBs.
EPIRBs float upright so the antenna stays vertical. Most PLBs have to be held vertical. Impossible to do if hypothermia or injuries render you unconscious.
EPIRBs have strobe lights and reflective tape making them easier for rescuers to see. Some PLBs do, but many don't.

For a minimal cost difference, I would choose an EPIRB every time.

 

[scross]

I have a PLB because I use it more than just on the boat. My ResQLink is small enough that I take it with me mountain biking, hiking and skiing. I also use to take it with me while flying my airplane even though the airplane had an ELT.
Like an EPIRB, our ResQLink PLB floats with the antenna pointing skyward once the antenna has been deployed - an extra step that takes 2-3 seconds to do.
I would not take an EPIRB with me on those other activities -just too bulky. For boating use only I’d probably get the EPIRB.
Just like a PFD, either the EPIRB or PLB will only work if you can get to it easily and quickly in an emergency. Our PLB is mounted on the wall just above the galley sink and right next to the two fire extinguishers. Couldn’t put an EPIRB there...

 

[oceaneyes]

Great feedback everyone, thank you.

I have a garmin inreach satellite text/sos device which seams to function similarly to the PLB. I like that some epirbs are water activated and was hoping there was a wearable/handheld device that activated upon contact with water.