Which PLB? - Page 2

whackywoody · 22 April 2014, 22:03

Andy XS, that was also another reservation as to why I haven't purchased the spot device as I have also heard this somewhere else.

I will look at the PLB's recommended in this thread.

Apologies to the original poster for hijacking the thread.

Daniel · 22 April 2014, 23:02

I have a fastfind, always with me when afloat. Small and robust, like most I hope I never need it.

At say £250 for five years, £50 a year, its a couple of quid each time I go boating that could save my life.

I have a trade account with the manufacturer and would be pleased to do a ribnet order "not-for-profit" given the nature of the kit... I'll post the prices tomorrow.

Ian M · 23 April 2014, 06:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel

I have a trade account with the manufacturer and would be pleased to do a ribnet order "not-for-profit" given the nature of the kit... I'll post the prices tomorrow.

Daniel, are you sure that you want the hassle, something similar has been tried before.....

jlandells · 23 April 2014, 07:08

Replies 9-20 have disappeared from the iPad app!

Anyway, I've done a little more research after re-reading the PBR article. One of the feedback points regarding the FastFind was the lack of visual feedback. The ACR unit has status lights which change colour as they get a GPS fix so that you know what's going on. I can imagine that this is very reassuring, so that unit is currently at the top of my list.

Trevor G · 23 April 2014, 08:33

I was just about to order one of the ACR REsQLink + PLB's when I did a bit more reading on their website. The bit that concerned me was it says their intended users are "Anglers, pilots and back country sportsmen". The units are described as " Buoyant, but not intended for operation in water, intended operational environments include on ground and above ground including held in hand".

I'm not sure I want to rely on this being suitable for use in salt water environments for the next 5 years. Pity as it looks like a good product.

(I'm looking for a second unit for Rick as we really ought to have one each if we do the Round Brittain 2014 cruise)

willk · 23 April 2014, 09:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trevor G

The units are described as " Buoyant, but not intended for operation in water, intended operational environments include on ground and above ground including held in hand".

I'm not sure I want to rely on this being suitable for use in salt water environments for the next 5 years. Pity as it looks like a good product.

If you read the Specs for each ACR, they are the same. I suspect that they are referring more to deployment. An EPIRB is designed to deploy IN water, a PLB generally requires to be hand held to keep the antenna out of water (where it will not work) and pointing upwards. Even the floating units are not designed to float and operate solo. I see a lot of the new life jackets are touting a PLB retainer on the inner bladder, so you can strap it on for hands free ops in the water...

Good thread - I need to replace my Fastfind at the end of the season, so reading carefully.

Pikey Dave · 23 April 2014, 11:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Good thread - I need to replace my Fastfind at the end of the season, so reading carefully.

Will you buy new Willk, or have your current one serviced? What are the price differences? Seems a shame to bin a perfectly good unit

willk · 23 April 2014, 11:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Will you buy new Willk, or have your current one serviced? What are the price differences? Seems a shame to bin a perfectly good unit

My thoughts precisely. I'm going to weigh up the options closer to the time. I'll have had six years out of it by then, so I might be tempted by "new tech" if the money stacks up, hence my interest in this thread...

jambo · 23 April 2014, 12:50

Would you at this time recommend a Fastfind?

Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

willk · 23 April 2014, 13:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by jambo

Would you at this time recommend a Fastfind?

There's not much to say! It's small and fits in my pocket. Nothing has fallen off it and it stills does a self test. Will it work? Hope not to find out!

jambo · 23 April 2014, 13:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

There's not much to say! It's small and fits in my pocket. Nothing has fallen off it and it stills does a self test. Will it work? Hope not to find out!

After reading the previous I am somewhat put of buying an ACR and Now looking At Fastfind as option hence my query.

Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

Pikey Dave · 23 April 2014, 13:21

As things stand at this moment, I'd buy another Fastfind without hesitation. Things might have changed by the time mine comes up for service, & I'll be in the same position as Willk. At this moment in time, Fastfind it is for me.

jambo · 23 April 2014, 13:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

As things stand at this moment, I'd buy another Fastfind without hesitation. Things might have changed by the time mine comes up for service, & I'll be in the same position as Willk. At this moment in time, Fastfind it is for me.

Thanks Dave appreciated.
J

Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

SPR · 23 April 2014, 14:36

ask the expire date on any unit your are buying - some online sellers have old stock ! hence the price !

S.

www.firstaidatsea.co.uk
www.SPRmarine.co.uk

Daniel · 23 April 2014, 14:37

deleted

SPR · 23 April 2014, 14:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel

If there is interest I'll do a bulk order next week for FF220's at £196 each plus delivery at cost. £5 Royal Mail or £10 ups.

These are brand new will full battery life remaining and full guarantee.

This isn't an open ended offer, it's a one off this spring, let's say a week today 30/4 cut off so you Should all receive them by next weekend.

That's a Good Price - I know the trade price! and Note FULL BATTERY - I had customers stating they can get them cheaper but in investigating 6 months less Battery!

Bite Daniels Hand Off ! Order one now !

www.firstaidatsea.co.uk
www.SPRmarine.co.uk

Pikey Dave · 23 April 2014, 15:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel

deleted

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPR

That's a Good Price - I know the trade price! and Note FULL BATTERY - I had customers stating they can get them cheaper but in investigating 6 months less Battery!

Bite Daniels Hand Off ! Order one now !

www.firstaidatsea.co.uk
www.SPRmarine.co.uk

Daniel might have had a change of mind. Can't blame him given previous "Bulk Buy" fiascos

Daniel · 23 April 2014, 15:07

Unfortunately my trade price is higher than the big retailers price so I deleted my offer.

Daniel · 23 April 2014, 15:09

Well the offer still stands I can do them at £196 plus delivery at cost but
http://www.crew-safe.co.uk/ seam to be doing them retail at £189.

T's and C's of my offer (which I've deleted) were that this is a one off and I'll be ordering a week today 30/4 as one job lot so you should get them before next weekend.

Am I missing something with the £189 price? Seams a new product with a guarantee and id assume a full battery life.

I deleted my offer as I assumed the big buyers were getting 30-40% off retail for buying in bulk (which I don't).

SPR · 23 April 2014, 15:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel

Well the offer still stands I can do them at £196 plus delivery at cost but
http://www.crew-safe.co.uk/ seam to be doing them retail at £189.

T's and C's of my offer (which I've deleted) were that this is a one off and I'll be ordering a week today 30/4 as one job lot so you should get them before next weekend.

Am I missing something with the £189 price? Seams a new product with a guarantee and id assume a full battery life.

I deleted my offer as I assumed the big buyers were getting 30-40% off retail for buying in bulk (which I don't).

I can confirm what Daniel, is saying...been there too!

As I said bite his hand off! You know they will have the longest battery date!

S.

www.firstaidatsea.co.uk
www.SPRmarine.co.uk