Re: EPIRB vs. VHF

From: Kirk Lindstrom (kirk@hpmsd3.sj.hp.com-DeleteThis)
Date: Thu Apr 16 1998 - 10:11:47 PDT


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Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 10:11:47 -0700
From: Kirk Lindstrom <kirk@hpmsd3.sj.hp.com-DeleteThis>
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Subject: Re: EPIRB vs. VHF
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Dave, I've been staring at the flyer on and off all morning wondering
the same questions. I was thinking maybe call the CoastGuard and see
what they recommend?

In fact, it might make sense to invite the Coast Guard to participate on
this thread or even to come to a "safety meeting" at Peter's Cafe or
somewhere on the S. Bay.

I like the B2ILS as it should be more waterproof since you don't need
speaker holes. I just wonder if you have confidence that the coasties
hear it?

B2ILS: We would want to make sure that a good butt-slap by a wave at
3rd or Palo Alto doesn't send them on a long call just to discover we
accidentally turned on the beacon!

other thoughts?
Coast Guard phone #??

regards
Kirk (that water was COLD yesterday) out

"If Patrick Henry thought that taxation without representation was bad,
he should see how bad it is with representation."
   - The Old Farmer's Almanac

>
> here's another safety equipment question for the group...
>
> This is the year that I'll drop the $$$ for a rescue
> device. The question is which one? Yesterday I got
> a sale flyer from West Marine and they are paying the
> sales tax on purchases this weekend in addition to their
> sale. Looks like it's time to do it.
>
> Does anyone have any experience with either of these two
> devices? They're both on sale at West.
>
> 1) ACR EPIRB "Mini" B2ILS Survival Kit $229.95
> manually activated
> audible beep (so you know it's sending)
> strobe/flashlight (cool, if it's a good enough strobe)
> small enough to fit in a fanny pack (I think)
> comes with a whistle (nice touch)
>
> 2) Std. Communications HX255S Handheld VHF $259.99
> 5 watt (5 watt, better than most I think?)
> 16ch priority scan
> 3 year waterproof warrantee (I guess that covers leaks?)
>
> Given that these two devices are about the same cost, I'm
> wondering which would be the best purchase for windsurfing
> rescue purposes. I think the main advantage of the EPIRB is
> that it provides the coasties a direct beacon to locate you.
> (This model also has a strobe which I think I must have so
> that saves me another purchase) Does anyone know if they
> constantly monitor that freq. and will automatically come
> for you if you turn it on? If I have to "signal" distress
> in order for them to come looking for the beacon then I'd
> have to carry both the VHF _and_ the EPIRB. If that's the
> case then I guess I'd go for the VHF and hope I can direct
> them to me.
>
> The advantage I see in the VHF is I'll know I've got help coming
> and I can talk to them about my situation. That would make me
> feel a heck of a lot better floating around alone than turning on
> a beacon and hoping somebody is tracking it. I'll still have
> to purchase a strobe. (Of course the VHF offers the opportunity
> to "chat" as more of us have it but that's not really a safety
> issue)
>
> I mostly sail the bay if that makes a difference. I think your
> in pretty deep, especially after dark, whether you're heading out
> the gate or drifting in the middle of the bay.
>
> I haven't heard much talk about EPIRB, what do you all think?
> I'd appreciate some feedback (especially about these two
> models since they're on sale) features I should be considering, etc.
>
> Thanks in advance, -dave



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