Portsmouth, UK-based McMurdo Marine has introduced a new compact personal locator beacon (PLB) designed specifically for recreational boaters.
The FastFind 220 PLB is compact and light enough to be carried or worn any time a boater leaves the dock, ready for activation at a second’s notice. Its built-in GPS pinpoints your exact location should your boat sink or you go over the side, while its bright LED SOS light helps rescuers spot you quickly in the water on approach.
The integrated Safe Stow antenna deploys upon contact with water, and the unit is waterproof to a depth of 10 meters / 32 feet. The built-in battery is guaranteed for a minimum of 24 hours operation, and the unit does not require a service subscription to work. Sold with a flotation pouch, the FastFind 220 has an MSRP of $249.
With a price point that now makes them attractive to recreational boaters, PLBs can be attached to lifejackets ahead of time, so they’re ready to activate immediately in an emergency situation.