Based on the many, many recommendations on this site I'm thinking of getting an EPIRB or personal locator. I sometimes fish ledges 20-30 miles or so offshore. I'm often (but not always) near other boats and the ledges are near (but not in) shipping channels. My boat is a single engine and I rarely have any buddy boats to go with. I don't venture offshore without an improving weather forecast for the 24 hours following launch time. This is Maine and the water temperature is in the 60's at the height of summer.
So, a few questions for the panel:
1. How do you guys manage your EPIRBS? Do you carry them home, lock them in the cabin, etc.? How do you keep them charged? Even though this is Maine the thought of leaving a $1,000 item topsides in plain sight is worrisome.
2. I've read that the hydrostatic releases are a bad idea on boats that don't sink. Thoughts?
3. I've read that the personal locators have to be held up off the surface to be effective. True?
4. How do you connect an EPRIB without internal GPS to your boat's GPS? I have a Raymarine C80.
5. Finally, given where I fish and its proximity to other boats would a prudent captain carry an EPIRB? I have a Standard Horizon VHF with GPS, hard top mounted antennas, a hand held backup VHF with spare batteries, etc.
Thanks to all, looking forward to another excellent season.
Larry