EPRIB battery replacement

[rfrye1]

My EPRIB battery expired about 6-8 months ago. Does anyone know of a reasonable source? I got a quote in San Diego and they wanted $350!! I know-I know, its a small amount if I ever need it. But $350??

Thanks, Bob

 

[ggrizzard]

They know when they got cha!

 

[chuckwayne]

that cost usually includes the retest and recertification of the EPIRB. Most manufacturers don't want the liability risk if they just sell you a battery and the epirb doesn't work when you need it. it's a small cost to be sure it'll function properly when you need it.

 

[rfrye1]

Too Old

Just figured out my ACR model 2759 is "too old" for a new battery".What a bummer. Apparently if your EPIRB is 12 yrs + 1mo old its "too old". Those folks will not replace the battery. Geez, what a sham. Talk about planned obsolences! Now I have to think about buying a new one @ $800-900. Or do I go w/o? The new VHF I have will broadcast my Lat/Lon when I hit the "red" button. Toiugh (expensive) choice for a coastal cruiser.

Cheers. Bob

 

[JohnShannon]

The newer EPRIBS and PLB are way better than the old ones. The old style could be located to within a few km. THe newer ones will come with integral GPS and will broadcast your position to within about 30m or so. No more search in search and rescue.
So it sort of sucks, but on the other hand some of the money you would have been spending on the new battery for the old unit will now be put towards a new unit with higher capability.

If you are just US coastal I would think the DSC radio would work just fine, unless you lost your mast or something.

 

[chuckwayne]

Your other -and excellent option-is a PLB. the McMurdo -plb is on sale for $209 at defenders. has a gps built in. Only disadvantage is it only has a 24 hour operating life (vs 48) and doesn't float without a float sleeve

 

[rfrye1]

Technology,me.....and my wallet

You all are thinking the same way I was. Guess I needed reassurance. I replaced old VHF with new DSC-VHF last year. My cruising ground is S. Calif coastal waters. I have 2 GPS's on board, plus a handheld VHF. I think until I venture out past the "coastal zone" I'll save the $900 needed for a new EPIRB. Might look into the PLB however.
Thanks. Bob

BTW. Did you see the new VHF with AIS built in?

 

[Roger Long]

Might look into the PLB however.

Did you see this thread?

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=126495

For coastal waters where you can generally count on raising someone on the radio and SAR is close, I think the SPOT sufficient and you get utility out of it when there is no emergency. It's all I carry. More is always better when it comes to emergency equipment. Both is best but I would rather have the SPOT and no EPIRB than an EPIRB and no SPOT.

If I add an EPIRB, it will only be if it is a self activating unit with a battery big enough to support a long search.