tiny VHF vs. personal epirb

Once and Future

2013-02-04 22:56:32

I am starting a new thread as another topic has evolved. What does everyone think would be better to have on their person in the cockpit when fishing alone: That miniature personal epirb Thorne Isle provided a link for, or a tiny handheld VHF? The plus of the epirb is the 5-year rated battery is less likely to be dead when you need it. Also, presumably longer range if no boats nearby. On the other hand, you don't know if your signal is being transmitted and received. The VHF could get you help a lot quicker, assuming there were boats within so many miles.

Obviously, both of these need some kind of PFD to go with them. And I am trying to figure out how to get the greased wire cutters on my person as well, so that every time I leave the pilot house I can wear them and not be tempted to leave them behind.

All this without looking like the poster of the OSHA-approved cowboy. Nothing like getting wound into some winch because your safety gear got caught!

Salty

2013-02-04 23:18:15

Put the wire cutters and file in your spoon bucket, also your crimps and pliers. Keeps em in good shape without rusting.

Thorne Isl.

2013-02-05 01:24:45

Maybe pack the plb and a vhf on the suspenders? or I have been looking at the safety line to the suspenders on my troller.

Here is a little more info on the PLB.

Even in extreme conditions and situations, the ResQLink+ activates easily. Just deploy the antenna and press the ON button. With its powerful 66-channel GPS, the ResQLink+ guides rescuers to within 100 meters or less of your position. And, in the continental U.S., search and rescue personnel are typically alerted of your position in as little as five minutes with a GPS-enabled PLB such as the ResQLink+.

Two built-in tests allow you to routinely verify that the ResQLink+ is functioning and ready for use - with the push of a button, you can easily test internal electronics and GPS functionality.

Features: Buoyant (yes, it floats!) ï Super Bright LED Strobe ï Onboard 66-Channel GPS ï Self-Test and GPS Test Features ï Typical Performance 30 Hours ï Non-Hazmat Battery ï Made in the U.S.A. ï Increased Power Output vs. Competition ï Continuous Brilliant Strobe ï Iím OK Text Messaging service available ï FCC Approved

ACR ResQLink+ PLUS 406 GPS PLB

Salty

2013-02-05 03:31:48

I think the ideal would be to have both. If you were in the rare situation where a hand-held VHF didn't raise anyone, and I have been in those places and times in SE, then activate plb. Thanks Thorne Island. I wonder if it meets the requirements for the CG Epirb?

elkiller

2013-02-05 05:00:11

I carry both. My handheld has reached the coast guard station from 32 miles off shore on a snotty day when they had closed the bar and I was stuck outside. I was able to get permission to return to the port with a cutter escort but that is beside the point. That little hand held vhf had a longer range than I thought. The epirb is for peace of mind. Both worth every cent.

Once and Future

2013-02-05 14:47:00

Seems too awkward to carry both. But, perhaps it is time for a sea change in my thinking. I thought of another disadvantage of the VHF - that being no good way to give your exact position.

I still haven't figured out a convenient place to clip all this stuff on to me every time I leave the pilot house, though.

And I'm fairly surprised there is no consensus on the best type of inflatable vest. I have seen fishermen who just get used to wearing a close-fitting pfd vest all the time. If I did that, I could probably make use of pockets and lanyards for these items. Not a problem if I don't need the rain jacket - but the same vest wouldn't work for both weather scenarios unless I use an inflatable style, and where does that leave my radio?

Maybe a belt - but it seems like my radio would always be getting smashed against the cockpit combing then...

Salty

2013-02-05 17:56:47

Thanks elkiller and all. Good stuff here.

Journey

2013-02-05 20:46:53

~~[url=~~https://autotether.com/cart/00_cartpage.php][url]https://autotether.com/cart/00_cartpage.php

I like the idea of the wireless kill switch. I don't fish in rough weather, and I believe I could get back to the boat with this device (in most situations). They make two sensors- one for the skipper that shuts down the engine and sounds an alarm, and one for crew that just sounds an alarm.

If money were no object, I'd rig my boat with one of these and an overboard ladder, along with one of those inflatable vests. Without a survival suit, It seems to me the EPIRB wouldn't help in time. The handheld VHF seems like it would work more often, but still I'd rather know I can depend on myself in an emergency instead of hoping help is nearby.

Salty

2013-02-06 00:40:45

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I just bought this at Murray, fits right into my vest or chest pocket with antenna attached. Will tie lanyard onto it with a clip to clip onto jacket. Will mount on the way to the deck so that I or whoever is going on deck will grab and take with.

Hope it never gets used to make a call.

curmudgeon

2013-02-06 03:52:42

Got this Rope Ladder idea from a gillnetter friend. They're not that hard to make.

The first decent rope ladder I've seen that won't beat the crap out of your boat. Make it yourself so you can plan the length so that it can't possibly get into the prop or wrap the rudder, then leave it available close to the stern for quick deployment, or let it continuously trail if single-handing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEXttVyT1A4

I double it over and secure it using tiny zip-ties and let the bottom end dangle over the rail so it's never in the way and you can fully deploy it while treading water with a single firm tug.

Once and Future

2013-03-19 22:37:26

After further thought (and others' input), I can't envision how the Coast Guard would respond to the personal epirb soon enough since I wouldn't be in a survival suit in this scenario.

As far as the kill switches; I've been on anchor sport fishing for halibut and realized the current was so strong I wouldn't be able to swim back to the boat if I fell overboard. So that seems like a 50/50 proposition even if it wasn't rough out.

So that leaves the miniature vhf option. Maybe in combo with the kill switch. But the kill switch is enough of a project on a manual shut down Jimmy engine that I know it will get put off.

Once and Future

2013-04-06 21:15:07

*The ResQLink+ is a buoyant PLB but is not intended for operation in water. Intended operational environments include on ground and above ground including held in hand. In all cases, the beacon must be facing skyward with the antenna perpendicular.

Having a conversation with myself here, I guess. The above language is taken from a website selling ACR ResQlink. I discovered it when I was looking for an explanation as to the difference between the two very similar ResQlink products. I haven't figure out the difference yet, and I'm not sure that above language is really important, but thought I'd share it.