how important is a floating PLB?

rmeador · #1 (**permalink**) 02-12-2012

I was just at the Boston boat show today and I discovered the ACR ResQLink PLB. They have a floating version and a non-floating version (with optional floatation pouch). Both are waterproof. The floating one is slightly larger and more expensive. Do you think it's worth it to get the floating one? What's the use case for floating, if it's going to be attached to my PFD? I'm pretty sure I want one of these units, but if anyone has any other suggestions on other good, tiny PLBs, I'd love to hear them. Thanks!

cb32863 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-12-2012

Personally I would go with the floating one all other things being equal. What happens if it comes off your PFD? At least if it floats, you, have a better chance of grabbing it. Doesn't do you much good at the bottom......

Livia · #3 (**permalink**) 02-14-2012

Ours are non-floating. We have them in camera cases which slip onto the webbing on our PFDs and we have a small bit of cord tied to them as a back up so they can't fall out of the camera case when being taken out and turned on with wet hands.

Floating sounds great but if money is an issue I think there are other ways to make them secure.

We have two - one on each of our PFDs.

rmeador · #4 (**permalink**) 02-14-2012

I was more concerned about the size than the cost, and I decided with the floating pouch on it (which I'm still not sure I need), the size difference was negligible. I bought the inherently bouyant one. Thanks for your thoughts!