Top 3 EPIRBs

Posted On February 16, 2022

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The ocean can be a very lonely place. Especially when the ____ hits the fan. There’s is nothing quite like an EPIRB when it comes to safety offshore. The top EPIRBs typically have a battery life of around 10 years and there are 0 subscription plans. You just keep it on your boat in a secure place and hope to never have to use it. If you do need to use it then it’s a matter of removing a small guard and hitting the big red button. That’s it. The EPIRB then sends a distress signal to the Coast Guard (if in the U.S.) or other emergency personal in other countries with your exact GPS coordinates.

Check out our list below of our top EPIRB choices on the market.

ACR GlobalFix V4 Cat 2 EPIRB Review

The Nitty Gritty

• Priced in the $500-$700 range.
• 10 year battery life.
• The powerful 406 mhz distress signal.
• Manual activation or activated if removed from bracket and underwater.
• Built in LED strobe.
  

ACR GlobalFix V4 Cat 2 EPIRB

ACR GlobalFix V4 marine distress EPIRB is equipped with multiple built-in redundancies to maximize your boat’s safety. When activated, the internal GPS will fix your location and broadcast your location via 406 MHz distress signal to worldwide search and rescue forces.

This full-featured Cat 2 EPIRB includes a lithium power cell that has a 10 year battery storage life. Unlike traditional EPIRBs, the battery must be replaced every ten years, even after activation. The user-replaceable battery pack reduces battery replacement time and overall cost of ownership. Lastly, the ACR GlobalFix V4 is designed for manual deployment by removing a guard and pushing the red distress signal button. Read more…

Ocean Signal Rescue ME EPIRB Review

The Nitty Gritty

• Priced in the $450-$600 range.
• 10 year battery life.
• The powerful 406 mhz distress signal.
• It floats.
• Manual activation or self activation if removed from bracket and underwater.
• Protective tab to prevent accidental activation.
  

Ocean Signal Rescue ME EPIRB

The Ocean Signal Rescue ME EPIRB1 is one of the world’s smallest, most portable and effective personal emergency response system (PIRBS). It features a powerful 406 MHz signal and GPS capabilities to send out a distress call to orbiting satellites. The lightweight device has a long battery life, and the antenna is easy to deploy with a gentle pull.

The Ocean Signal rescueME EPIRB1 is a GPS-enabled personal emergency response beacon with an extended range of use. It works with Cospas Sarsat, the only worldwide search and rescue satellite network. It is an extremely effective personal safety device, but should only be used in cases of serious threat to life or property. It is designed to prevent accidental activation, and its protective tab over the operating keys allows for easy operation. Readmore..

McMurdo Smartfind EPIRB Review

The Nitty Gritty

• Priced in the $600-$800 range.
• 10 year battery life.
• The powerful 406 mhz distress signal.
• It floats.
• Manual activation or self activation if removed from bracket and underwater.
• Protective tab to prevent accidental activation.
  

McMurdo Smartfind EPIRB

The McMurdo SmartFind G8 AIS is the world’s first EPIRB to combine multiple frequencies, including AIS and 406 MHz. AIS is a satellite-based system that allows rescuers to identify the location of a person in an emergency. AIS uses the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) in order to pinpoint its location. Its fusion of these two technologies allows it to pinpoint a person’s exact location and call for rescue. The unit provides a guard against accidental activation. READ MORE