Short answer — top PLBs boaters choose right now:

• ACR ResQLink View — best overall for recreational boaters (integrated GPS/GNSS, MEOSAR support, digital status display, buoyant, >24 hr transmit, ~5‑yr battery service interval). (REI.com)
• Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 — best ultra‑compact / lifejacket mount option (very small/light, waterproof to 15 m, 7‑year battery/storage option, >24 hr transmit). (oceansignal.com)
• McMurdo FastFind 220 — best value / modern GNSS support (Galileo + GPS, MEOSAR compatible, floats with pouch, minimum 24 hr transmit, 6‑year battery life). (seasofsolutions.com)

Important context for boaters (short):

• PLB vs EPIRB: PLBs are personal (registered to a person), compact and subscription‑free, but their transmit time is typically a minimum ~24 hours and they must be manually activated. EPIRBs are vessel‑mounted, have longer battery/transmit requirements (≥48 hours for offshore EPIRBs) and can auto‑activate — for offshore cruising most owners keep an EPIRB on the boat plus PLBs for each person. (NTSB/BOATUS/industry guidance). (NTSB.gov)
• Registration is mandatory in the U.S.: register any PLB with NOAA’s SARSAT Beacon Registration database after purchase and update it whenever information changes. (beaconregistration.NOAA.gov)
• Two‑way satellite communicators (Garmin inReach, Zoleo, etc.) are alternatives if you want messaging, weather and confirmation that help is aware — they require a paid subscription but give two‑way contact and ongoing tracking. PLBs are single‑purpose SOS devices with no recurring fees. (Garmin.com)

Quick practical checklist for buying/using a PLB on boats:

• Pick a COSPAS‑SARSAT 406 MHz PLB from a reputable brand (ACR, Ocean Signal, McMurdo are the big ones above). (REI.com)
• Register it immediately with NOAA. (beaconregistration.NOAA.gov)
• Mount/carry it so the antenna clears the water (clip to lifejacket shoulder/collar or use the supplied flotation pouch); PLBs do not always float upright in transmitting position. (soundingsonline.com)
• Note battery/service intervals: expect manufacturer service/replacement every ~5–7 years depending on model; check the manufacture date on the unit and follow the manufacturer’s service schedule. (news.ThomasNet.com)
• If you cruise offshore or keep a vessel permanently at sea, keep a proper EPIRB on the boat in addition to PLBs for crew. (BOATUS.com)

If you want a single quick recommendation for most recreational boaters: get an ACR ResQLink View (best all‑around PLB), register it, and pair that with a vessel EPIRB if you do offshore passages. (REI.com)

If you’d like, I can:

• compare these three models side‑by‑side (weight, battery interval, waterproof rating, price), or
• look up current retail prices/stock at US dealers right now.

Which would you prefer?