Offshore Preparedness

[Doc` B]

I have a 2005 Grady 282 with twin 250 Yamahas and go offshore 6-8 times a season (and I obviously pick my days carefully)...I had an older EPIRB(not 406) given too me by my brother when he sold his sailboat, but it's time to get an updated emergengency locator.
Question: What should I invest in at this point?
I would appreciate any input.
Thx

[grady28]

We have a liferaft, 406 epirb and backup handheld radio. I figure having more than 1 option is best! If the boat were to sink and you are able to deploy the epirb, you will still be floating in the water. I'd rather be in a liferaft calling on my radio with the epirb next to me. Can probably find some good deals on eBay.

[suncoug]

A 406 EPIRB in a ditch bag with essential survival and signaling gears will be a no brainer. I also have a portable VHF and GPS on me and my buddy a PLB when we are running along with life jackets. We also have survival suits on board. A life raft will be next.

[Kevin-Dan's Legacy]

What ever you do don't get one of those huge life rafts to put on your roof. I was once fishing with a few friends on the 2FI and we took 2 slams in a row when the weight of the life raft cracked then shattered most of the cockpit windows. The "2 Fishing Idiots" got rid of the life raft short after... It was like a big 8 person life raft. Just saying.

[twover]

What ever you do don't get one of those huge life rafts to put on your roof. I was once fishing with a few friends on the 2FI and we took 2 slams in a row when the weight of the life raft cracked then shattered most of the cockpit windows. The "2 Fishing Idiots" got rid of the life raft short after... It was like a big 8 person life raft. Just saying.

So they cleaned up the name to "FISHING" idiots.

[mikehalseyjr]

I have an 8 man raft, EPIRB, hand held VHF (keep it on charger in cabin 100% of time), ditch bag with food, water, flares, fire ext, and hand held gps.

When you buy the raft get the bracket to hold the raft too.

It's gonna cost some dough, but better than being dead.

Mike

[Kevin-Dan's Legacy]

So they cleaned up the name to "FISHING" idiots.

Haha. Well, the name on the boat is "2FI" so who knows if "2 Fishing Idiots" was the real motivation behind that name. I've got some ideas now for future boat names.

[h2oboss]

All the equipment and safety precausions are great but I'd stress two points....learn to navigate WITHOUT GPS....compass/chart/watch/etc. you never know when your system will take a crap. Also try to keep an eye on your position periodically through the day, never know when you may need to relay that info via handheld radio if elctronics aren't working or EPIRB doesn't work. Also make sure you properly orient your crew with the locations and instructions on how to use the equipment and when to use it.

[Doc` B]

Thanks for everyone's advice! Great suggestions....
It definitely pays to be smart and well outfitted.

[ocnslr]

We have two fixed VHFs with separate antennas and separate power sources. One from the house bank and one from the engine start batteries.

We have a ditch bag with all the usual goodies, plus a handheld GPS, a handheld VHF, and a Category II EPIRB with GPS.

We have a six-man Revere Coastal Commander life raft, in a soft-pack.

MMSI number programmed into both fixed VHF radios and one handheld VHF.

GPS position fed to both fixed VHF radios by NMEA0183 connection.

Be cautious, but be prepared.

Brian