Bearing in mind that most have never deployed theirs - I know I haven't - this is a tricky question to answer, as it is a bit like asking someone what make of seat-belt would they recommend in their car.What do you guys recommend asthe best offshore EPIRB?
... preferably one that has a no-charge battery replacement warranty...ACR Seemed expensive when I had battery replaced but maybe they all are?
Wm: Is there an Epirb manufacturer out there who has a no-charge replacement battery? Our Epirb is coming up for a new battery and we have had the same experience as Brooksie. The 2 Epirbs we have owned, ACR and Mcmurdo, battery replacement has been about a 1/3 of the cost new.
... preferably one that has a no-charge battery replacement warranty...GME,an Australian brand of marine electronics, radios,GPS,and EPIRBS, has introduced one free battery replacement on 2 popular EPIRB models; you can expect total (6+6) 12 years battery life. My experience of GME product and back up is positive. Pricing is similar to competitors.Wm: Is there an Epirb manufacturer out there who has a no-charge replacement battery? Our Epirb is coming up for a new battery and we have had the same experience as Brooksie. The 2 Epirbs we have owned, ACR and Mcmurdo, battery replacement has been about a 1/3 of the cost new.
Good for Aussies, not much help to USA residents.
ACR just announced a nice rebate program that I think went into effect today. I also have inside info that there will be very good prices on ACR products at a certain booth at the Miami International Boat Show.
But now there are EPIRBS that have non-hazmat batteries, that the user can change, and they are less expensive
EPIRBs in Australia are registered to a specific boat with AMSA (Aust. Marine Safety Authority), which collects boat, personal, and emergency contact detail at registration. If an EPIRB fires,they`ll know what boat,who it is, etc.Keep an eye on the used boat items ie E-bay and Craigslist. I have bought two ACR Epirbs in newish condition for around $300 each time with good battery life remaining.
The EPIRBS are worth most owners time to remove them and sell them seperately when listing their boats for sale.
And Peter, why don't you have your radio on when you are cruising in the northern bay? WM, Charlie Chan.