Epirb for Australia

[ben373]

Can someone please recommend a GPS based epirb for use in Australia that will not break the back. Hopefully you have not had to use one.

Thanks

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[Adventurebound]

Gme brand sell for $150 as an exchange for your old out of date one. New are $599. Wont break your back-probably only weigh a pound.

[gspeak]

Originally Posted by ben373

Can someone please recommend a GPS based epirb for use in Australia that will not break the back. Hopefully you have not had to use one.

Thanks

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

Try Whitworths, $349 .... GME with GPS

[MarkJ]

This one is Australian 10 year battery and only $289

SAFETY ALERT SA1G Safety Alert SA1G | KTI

[gspeak]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

This one is Australian 10 year battery and only $289

SAFETY ALERT SA1G Safety Alert SA1G | KTI

Great find. Thanks Mark.

[little boat]

ben, i have been sorting through some of my boat gear i wish to sell.
yesterday, i remembered i have a 406 epirb i would like to sell in addition to the items i listed a couple of days ago in the for sale section here.
i self tested the epirb twice and video-ed it. it lit up perfectly. i can upload that to youtube today if my computer cooperates.
i followed the instructions from this very helpful youtube video. this is not the exact model i have though the controls are similar; mine has a fatter body, its an ACR. it is registered to me, i have the paperwork and the manual too.
here is the instruction video walking through the steps of a self test if others are interested:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nExD9pduARQ

i don't know what's a fair price, ben because i paid thousands for it but maybe in the new world epirbs have become more affordable?
it is in excellent shape but for someone cracked the plastic housing on the antennae; i saw online replacement antenaes for ~$30.
if this is your idea of not breaking your back then please pm me for details!

[MarineTechMike]

ACR Sells New one's programmed for Aus. All ACR's have GPS now and they have a full 5 year warranty!!

They changed the antenna's so they don't crack anymore.

Battery replacement for an ACR is $299--every 5 years (they have a 10 year shelf life) and that is the median price for battery service.

The best thing is a Full 5 year warranty! Who warranties something on a boat for 5 years?

Also--If you use it and get rescued, ACR will give you a brand new Current Model Epirb for Free!!

They are about $430 or so. They have a 100 rebate, but only if you register in the US

Mike

[MarineTechMike]

Well I guess I spoke to soon.

Looks like that KTI has a 10 year warranty.

I would stay away from the GME since they just had some that did not

work.

KTI looks like it is only cospas-sarsat approved. Normally you will find better

Quality with other approvals as well. The KTI does not say it is water

activated? Which is strange since most will go off if you throw them--or

they end up in the water. So, when things/ if things hit the fan, they

usually do so (in my experiences) pretty fast. Just something to consider

perhaps when buying. I would hate to see my Epirb floating away, not

transmitting, if I was in grave danger!

Looks like a good price for sure though! Compares to PLB pricing.

Mike

[ben373]

Thanks so much for your help. The safety alert SA1G is only $289 for 10 years
Thanks Mark. I wonder what the quality is like? I have heard not so good reports of the GME stuff.

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[Rustic Charm]

I've got three Safety Alert ones on my boat. I like shape, colour, bridle of them. But, what they work like, I can't comment on.

[Mirage Gecko]

I have an in service and up to date GME on board but just bought this ACR package as I thought it was a great deal with all the extras.

https://www.whitworths.com.au/main_i...asp?item=74530

Chris

[Reefmagnet]

I purchased the gps enabled kti recently. Quality looks good and it appears to be based on the Pains Wessex models of the past. Like others, I haven't had the misfortune to use it yet despite some serious attempts otherwise.

[goboatingnow]

personally, I only use ACR, " Porsche There is no substitute, Tom Cruise"

dave

[ben373]

Thanks for all the info I have purchased the safety alert for $289 with gps. Australian made. If I use it and come back I will let you know how it went as I can only dog paddle for so long.

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[Nikki S]

I would like to know:
-Can I buy an EPIRB in Europe, but register it with AMSA (as we are Australians starting our cruising life in France)?
-Or should I buy one in Australia, before I fly to France next week?
- or should I order one online to be posted to France?
-What is the best Epirb to buy if money is not an issue? (I see there are a number of GPS, auto activated ones, but is any particular brand is best?)
Any advice you have for me is appreciated.

Nikki