Best $ And Brand Of Gps Epirb And Vhf Radio

[roosterman]

hi guys,

well now i have the bigger boat that opens up going wide i need to get a gps epirb and vhf radio with dsc.

now are the gme ones best epirb or is any of them gonna do same job so is cheapest better ???

as for the vhf,which brands are good or again is it just personal preference,

uniden,icom,gme,navman(northstar) ???....

it will be hooked into my navman gps so needs to be compatible...

thanks guys..

cheers...steve....

[Marlin01]

Roosterman,

I bought the GME with the GPS inbuilt (MT403G) simply because the search area is dramatically reduced if operated. Its a lot of extra cash but I figure our safety is worth it and over the expectant working life (10+ years) the initial $200 extra isnt much of an extra spend.

Having been involved in several rescues at sea I can appreciate how a reduced search are is an obvious advantage (5kms square (MT403) compared with 100m square (MT403G) and if I ever set it off (TOUCH WOOD) I will be in need of assistance ASAP and the decreased search zone will reduce response times.

Thats my reasoning and even the bank supported that decision, whilst not being so supportive of the new jig rod, shimano torsa, tiagra ect ect.

Cheers

Marlin

[batfishing]

I totally agree with the last post in regards to the EPIRB, I also have the G, I did a bulk purchase and talked most of my friends into the same unit, reasoning being If ever it needs to be activated, at that point in time, you probably would not care it it had cost a $1000 more, 100m radius out the front compared to 5km possibly in a rough sea is not debatable.

In regards to the radio, ALL the brands you have named are good quality, and all would sarve you well. It is not so much the brand as the features that drive the price. Also check the Vertex range, good quality and well priced.