ORCV Safety at Sea
PLB Hire and Purchase options
You know that you now need one (at least for Cat 2 races) - but do you want to hire a PLB or buy one? After quite a number of queries on the subject, the ORCV now has some really good food for thought and prices for action as 31/10/09 and the start of the 2009 M2S arrives.
HIRE.
We have found a company hiring PLB's for yacht crew - with pricing detailed for the ORCV races.
This company, EPIRBhire, has made the following offer to our members:
"We have been trying to find a price structure that is fair for all and reduces the cost for crew that book early, often and return on time without being too complicated. We have decided on a flat price for 3 or more units plus a two way freight charge of $10. If two boats get together this can be saved. There will be further discounts for boats that are early in booking and do 3 or four races.
|
Title
|
Start Date
|
From
|
To
|
Distance
|
Cost each (for 3+)
|
|
M2S - Stanley
|
Sat 31 Oct 2009
|
Queenscliff
|
Stanley
|
152nm
|
$55
|
|
M2HW - Hobart Westcoaster
|
Sun 27 Dec 2009
|
Portsea
|
Hobart
|
450nm
|
$165
|
|
M2HE - Hobart Eastcoaster
|
Sun 27 Dec 2009
|
Portsea
|
Hobart
|
470nm
|
$165
|
|
M2L -Launceston
|
Sun 27 Dec 2009
|
Portsea
|
Low Head
|
198nm
|
$120
|
|
M2KI - King Island
|
Sat 06 Mar 2010
|
Queenscliff
|
Grassy
|
114nm
|
$55
|
|
M2PF - Port Fairy
|
Fri 02 Apr 2010
|
Queenscliff
|
Port Fairy
|
135nm
|
$55
|
The hire period will include the return trip for the delivery crew.
We have been hiring GPS enabled PLBs for the last 7 years. With the recent changes in the Cat 2 requirements and the phasing out of the old analogue system, we are tiring to look for a balance in the fee and service offered. EPIRBhire can offer an economical and efficient service on a boat by boat basis, particularly where the crews book early, often and return the units on time. We like to deal with just one crew member who organises and co ordinates the total crew numbers.
EPIRBhire will only supply the GPS enabled PLBs, when activated they will alert AMSA faster (up to 2 hours) and more accurately (200mtrs Vs 5000mtrs circle).
At Xmas, the demand is high and will be the only time the bulk of our stock will be used, so therefore the price will be higher. We do offer a rebate for the units returned that we will be able to re hire for the Coffs Harbour race (Jan 2). I will be in Hobart Dec 29 and 30 to collect these units. If I am able to collect PLBs not needed for the delivery, we can refund $40."
PURCHASE.
The McMurdo Max G transmits for 48 hours, which is 24 hours longer than for most PLBs, floats and is waterproof to 10m. GPS units also give you a tighter fix on your exact location. The McMurdo Fastfind 211 transmits for 24 hours.
we don't want to be seen to be recommending one type over another, but these would seem to be the best units around. You pay for it, sure, but then what price on safety???
Note that the ORCV has also identified purchase deals with Anchor Marine, as detailed HERE,
Note a comprehensire article on PLB's HERE,
And if you find other interesting deals - please let us know!
By Donald Fraser, Vice Commodore and John Curnow.
