Seb85 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 18, 2019 6:48 am
I wouldn't spend $2000+ on a kayak. Which I just did few days ago.
The objective question/topic here is that if EPIRB/PLB/FLARES are essential, especially for the stuff I do (kayak fishing inshore, in the bay, fishing in remote places) and would like to hear from other more experienced people that knows more about EPIRB/PLB/FLARES.
I don't think anyone can be overly cautious about safety. Better safe than sorry.
Hi SEB,
My apologies, I should have been more specific in my reply.
It's good to have more safety gear and not less and I firmly "personally" believe that a PLB should be worn by every kayak fisho and any boatie who fishes solo.
At the cost of only $250-$300 for 8-10 lifespan that's really cheap when considering the value of a life and it makes rescuing (If needed) so much easier.
Situations unfortunately do arise when forecasts are hopelessly wrong and you find yourself in sudden gusts of wind and 2m swells and it's good to know should you end up in strife you have the safety gear that could save you or even someone else. I wouldn't hesitate either to deploy my PLB or EPIRB if I saw someone else in trouble if I couldn't render assistance.
Having personally experienced some tricky situations, I made/make the comments that if a person was timid or overly cautious/fearful then perhaps kayak fishing should not be attempted.
It's a fantastic sport/hobby and can be very addictive, although personally I find it very re-energizing and some times helps me unwind.
If you can, then I would recommend getting yourself a PLB, VHF radio, waterproof phone pouch on a lanyard, floating torch. The EPIRB for anything offshore (Not just the 2nm regs) and flares.
Good to hear the discussion on safety as it is something not spoken about very often at large.
There are top blokes on here like Cheater, /Litres & Laneeds who know their stuff and maybe 1 or 2 others who could input & maybe at times you could hook up with them heading out. If you need help, I and others are around to help if we can.
My apologies once again for poor choice of words.
Cheers.