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best plb for boats

Prompt

Last updated 15th September 2025

Domain count
rei.com
1
oceansignal.com
1
seasofsolutions.com
1
Citations count
29
9
13
7
Brands Discovered
14
12
7
3

Original answer

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?

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Rank
Brand
Topic
LLM
Sentiment
1
🥇

ACR

100%
100%
100%
100%
Neutral
2
🥈

McMurdo

92%
90%
95%
90%
Neutral
3
🥉

Ocean Signal

90%
95%
85%
90%
Neutral
4

Garmin

52%
75%
0%
80%
Neutral
5

NOAA

45%
65%
0%
70%
Neutral
6

HM Coastguard

25%
0%
0%
75%
Neutral
7

Zoleo

22%
65%
0%
0%
Neutral
8

US Coast Guard

22%
0%
0%
65%
Neutral
9

SARSAT

18%
55%
0%
0%
Neutral
10

NTSB

17%
50%
0%
0%
Neutral
11

BOATUS

15%
45%
0%
0%
Neutral
12

Soundings Online

13%
40%
0%
0%
Neutral
13

ThomasNet

12%
35%
0%
0%
Neutral
14

REI

12%
35%
0%
0%
Neutral
Domain
Title
LLM
URL
ACR Electronics ResQLink View Personal Locator Beacon | REI Co-op
Openai
rescueME PLB1 Personal Locator Beacon - Ocean Signal
Openai
McMurdo FastFind 220 – Seas Of Solutions
Openai
Personal Locator Devices: Improve Your Chance of Rescue
Openai
US Beacon Registration
Openai
Why Should I Buy a Garmin Satellite Communicator? | Garmin Blog
Openai
PLB vs. EPIRB - which is right for you? - Soundings Online
Openai
ACR Electronics New ResQLink 400 and ResQLink View PLBs Utilizes Integrated Signal Technologies such as GPS Positioning, 406 MHz Signal and 121.5 MHz Homing Capability
Openai
Inspect And Maintain PLBs & EPIRBs | BoatUS
Openai
partsvu.com
Gemini
rannochadventure.com
Gemini
clubmarine.com.au
Gemini
rya.org.uk
Gemini
burnsco.co.nz
Gemini
yachtingworld.com
Gemini
survivalatsea.com
Gemini
boatingmag.com
Gemini
boemarine.com
Gemini
westmarine.com
Gemini
walmart.com
Gemini
nootica.com
Gemini
statspros.com
Gemini
passagenautical.com
Perplexity
acrartex.com
Perplexity
yachtingmagazine.com
Perplexity
boatingmag.com
Perplexity
trakkitgps.com
Perplexity
westmarine.com
Perplexity
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