Consider buying an EPIRB if you're planning on going to Bimini

[MrMoose]

I've decided to buy an EPIRB for this year's Bimini crossing. Here's my logic. I don't have a built-in long range VHF (I don't need a vhf radio on my small lake). I have a floating handheld VHF radio that is capable of sending a distress signal, but it's range is limited. An EPIRB is self-contained and does not rely on boat electronics. It's easy to use in an emergency: flip a switch, and some automatically activate when immersed in water.
Today's models are equipped with GPS and they use satellite communication as well as distress beacon signals for search and rescue to locate you.
They range in price, but I've seen some good ones for as low as $350.
If you are planning to go on the trip to Bimini, $350 is a good deal for safety and piece of mind.

 

[robert843]

You can even rent them for $50-$100 a week from several places if you did not want to purchase one. If you buy one check the battery life on it thats usually the biggest difference between the expensive ones and the cheaper ones.

 

[Bruce]

I opted for a Delorme inReach instead of an EPIRB.

My reasoning was that the inReach can continuously report our position so that friends and family at home can watch our progress. The cost is similar even after I work in the subscription fee. I chose inReach over Spot because I could activate the inReach for a month and Spot required annual service.

EPIRBs (PLBs) have expensive batteries that cost almost as much to replace as to purchase the unit. inReach and Spot need to be recharged every few days.

Personally I feel that for crossing with the group and exploring the Bimini area on your own a fixed VHF with DSC is a better investment than an EPIRB / PLB / inReach / Spot. A fixed VHF will allow you to talk to other boats or marinas up to 20 miles away. That covers most of the crossing on your own and all of it if you are with a group. The satellite messaging device can contact help back in the US but does not signal those closest to you. In 2014 we added a fixed VHF for the group crossing. In 2015 we added the inReach knowing that we planned to stay longer than the group and return on our own.

For the crossing my family wears type 1 life vests with reflective strips, whistles, mirrors and VHF radios attached for the crossing. Last year our daughter was in charge of the inReach and had it attached to her life vest. I do not have a picture of @Emma with the inReach on but here are pics of @Rana and @Gavin with their vests and gear.



I found a picture with Emma and the inReach



And an even cuter one. They were having a snack while I cleared customs.

 

[Bruce]

I want to add that @Tyler used an inReach to make a distress call during a single boat crossing in 2014 so we know the system works. His experience was one of the leading factors in my purchase.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

@Bruce

Is that the SE or Explorer version? Also, would it work if it was in a glove box or does it need to be exposed?

 

[Bruce]

@Bruce

Is that the SE or Explorer version? Also, would it work if it was in a glove box or does it need to be exposed?

Mine is a SE. The Exporter has more features.

Another nice feature I did not mention is that the inReach can send satellite text messages. Preprogrammed messages such as "We Arrived Safely" can be sent to a group of numbers with the push of a few buttons for free. The $35 monthly Freedom Recreation Plan includes 40 free messages. @justason and @Murf'n'surf used these messages to communicate on our single boat return from Bimini last year. You can link it to your phone and use navigation features and message directly from your phone.

I believe it would work fine in your glove box. It worked from inside the center console of my truck during the tow back and forth to Fort Lauderdale. It is waterproof. The Yellow cover is an optional accessory that makes it float.

 

[justason]

I started to look into options earlier this week. I bought a fixed mount VHF last year and it has the built in distress button. I agree range can be a concern (if crossing solo). The radio is short money compared to the Epirb, and as far as use: We are on a small lake as well, but its a convenient ship to shore chat when combined with the handheld.

Epirb rentals are not too bad, but it sounds like you may need to reserve them early. and the rental includes 2 way overnight shipping cost.

Another option I'm looking into, but lacks the localization features is simply renting a SAT phone.

 

[MrMoose]

I started to look into options earlier this week. I bought a fixed mount VHF last year and it has the built in distress button. I agree range can be a concern (if crossing solo). The radio is short money compared to the Epirb, and as far as use: We are on a small lake as well, but its a convenient ship to shore chat when combined with the handheld.

Epirb rentals are not too bad, but it sounds like you may need to reserve them early. and the rental includes 2 way overnight shipping cost.

Another option I'm looking into, but lacks the localization features is simply renting a SAT phone.

I considered buying a sat phone first, but I decided against it because I want something that is idiot-proof in the chaos of an emergency situation... something that will work if I and/or my crew are incapacitated. Plus, my wife would give me a hard time for spending her money on another gadget if I bought a sat phone.

 

[MrMoose]

I opted for a Delorme inReach instead of an EPIRB.

My reasoning was that the inReach can continuously report our position so that friends and family at home can watch our progress. The cost is similar even after I work in the subscription fee. I chose inReach over Spot because I could activate the inReach for a month and Spot required annual service.

EPIRBs (PLBs) have expensive batteries that cost almost as much to replace as to purchase the unit. inReach and Spot need to be recharged every few days.

Personally I feel that for crossing with the group and exploring the Bimini area on your own a fixed VHF with DSC is a better investment than an EPIRB / PLB / inReach / Spot. A fixed VHF will allow you to talk to other boats or marinas up to 20 miles away. That covers most of the crossing on your own and all of it if you are with a group. The satellite messaging device can contact help back in the US but does not signal those closest to you. In 2014 we added a fixed VHF for the group crossing. In 2015 we added the inReach knowing that we planned to stay longer than the group and return on our own.

For the crossing my family wears type 1 life vests with reflective strips, whistles, mirrors and VHF radios attached for the crossing. Last year our daughter was in charge of the inReach and had it attached to her life vest. I do not have a picture of @Emma with the inReach on but here are pics of @Rana and @Gavin with their vests and gear.

View attachment 32088 View attachment 32089

I found a picture with Emma and the inReach

View attachment 32090

And an even cuter one. They were having a snack while I cleared customs.

View attachment 32091

Thanks for the insight @Bruce. I'll check out inReach. I found an epirb that has a 10 year battery in it for under $400.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Using a sat phone while floating in 3-5' seas with a life vest would be next to impossible.

 

[Bill D]

Thanks to Geico I can just imagine someone floating in the ocean, watching their boat sink and getting a call from their mom about the squirrels in the attic.

 

[biglar155]

...We are on a small lake as well, but its a convenient ship to shore chat when combined with the handheld.....

FYI, that's a violation of FCC rules regarding VHF radio.

No biggie if no one is around to enforce, but just be aware.

 

[justason]

FYI, that's a violation of FCC rules regarding VHF radio.

No biggie if no one is around to enforce, but just be aware.

View attachment 32096

well damn !! we are a loong ways from the coast, and haven't heard any other chatter on these radios...that said, its usually a Dinner's ready shout out........thanks for the heads up, Signed: radio Felon Justason

 

[Murf'n'surf]

FYI, that's a violation of FCC rules regarding VHF radio.

No biggie if no one is around to enforce, but just be aware.

View attachment 32096

It's illegal to swear on a CB radio also!

 

[robert843]

well damn !! we are a loong ways from the coast, and haven't heard any other chatter on these radios...that said, its usually a Dinner's ready shout out........thanks for the heads up, Signed: radio Felon Justason

Well I'm assuming one of the original reasons for the install was the Bahamas and at least its legal there so the intent was good.

 

[Bruce]

Just to be clear, in the US, transmitting on a marine VHF radio while on shore without a shore station license is illegal and can result in a fine of up to $10,000.

In Bimini it is legal and standard practice to use marine VHF radios on shore. They use marine VHF radios like phones. If you want to call a cab you hail it on channel 68. The marinas use it for communication with their staff on and off shore.

Someone was fined the $10k for using a marine radio in Arkansas within the last few years. My guess was that he was interfering with port operations on the Arkansas river. Very likely on channel 16.

 

[biglar155]

well damn !! we are a loong ways from the coast, and haven't heard any other chatter on these radios...that said, its usually a Dinner's ready shout out........thanks for the heads up, Signed: radio Felon Justason

Heck I'd be willing to bet we're ALL felons for one thing or another...

"Convicted? No, never convicted."

 

[MrMoose]

I want to add that @Tyler used an inReach to make a distress call during a single boat crossing in 2014 so we know the system works. His experience was one of the leading factors in my purchase.

@Bruce What was the nature of his emergency?

 

[Bruce]

@Bruce What was the nature of his emergency?

Tyler and his crew of indestructible early twentys cross fitters had crossed to Bimini on their own in a two stroke LX210. They traveled to and from Bimini a few days ahead of the group.

On their return trip they experienced spark plug issues. They had purchased tow insurance and were able to arrange for a tow using their inReach and handheld VHF. They changed their spark plugs after the tow and everything was fine.

This is his boat headed home

DSCN0298.jpg

• Bruce
• Jul 2, 2014
• 1

@Tyler and crew departing

 

[Bruce]

This is @Tyler's LX210 and my boat sharing a slip. We had a lot of fun with his fearless crew. They were in 2+ foot water when they called for a tow. Many forum members in the US were watching their progress. We enjoyed a LX210 before our SX230 but I would not have the cahonies to try for Bimini in one!