Is Garmin Inreach Mini 2 sufficient instead of an EPIRB if I only go offshore once a year?

[Tylenator]

As the title says, is the Garmin Inreach Mini 2 sufficient for emergencies in place of an ACR Resqlink EPIRB? I realize accidents/emergencies don't take holidays but I would only be offshore once a year, 20 miles out at most. I would have a VHF hardwired.

It's not about money because in the long run they're roughly the same cost (including EPIRB battery replacements every 5 years) if I only have my Garmin subscription during boating season. Having the Ability to send messages from the Inreach would be nice - can't do that with an EPIRB. I could also use the Inreach for non-boating outdoor activities.

Again, not trying to cut corners. Just want to make sure I don't get the wrong tool for the job.

Thanks.

 

[zipper]

If you are out there and have no cell signal, these work well. We bought this a couple of years ago ahead of the trip/delivery of our catamaran from Massachusetts to Vermont. As it turned out, we were never without a cell signal so we never really used it. We do have an epirb on the boat also. We traveled thru Long Island Sound instead of off shore.

 

[Tylenator]

Thanks for the response. The area i will be (20 miles off the coast of Ocean City MD or Rehobath Beach DE) do not have cell signal.

The context of my question is more about the SOS ability. To be frank, if my boat is sinking does it matter if I have a Garmin Inreach for SOS or an EPIRB?

 

[zipper]

Epirbs are boat specific. Inreach can be used on land, hiking, skiing in the backcountry where a cell signal may not be available

 

[Beachcampin]

Do you have a newer iphone? When there's no cell signal, the newer iphones switch over to satellite for messaging allowing for communication. Not really great for if you're in the drink because the touch screens don't work so well when wet. I fish on friends boats as well so I went with a Personal Locator. Slightly cheaper than an EPIRB with similar function. Saved these guys butts:

 

[Tylenator]

Do you have a newer iphone? When there's no cell signal, the newer iphones switch over to satellite for messaging allowing for communication. Not really great for if you're in the drink because the touch screens don't work so well when wet. I fish on friends boats as well so I went with a Personal Locator. Slightly cheaper than an EPIRB with similar function. Saved these guys butts:

That's neat - but I have android not iPhone

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

No.
You need a dedicated EPIRB in my opinion. They are satellite based, and you can register it to yourself.

One thing to keep in mind. The ones that look like cell phones have to be held with the antenna out of the water. The floatie type will broadcast while floating and they have a strobe if I’m not mistaken.

 

[Tylenator]

No.
You need a dedicated EPIRB in my opinion. They are satellite based, and you can register it to yourself.

One thing to keep in mind. The ones that look like cell phones have to be held with the antenna out of the water. The floatie type will broadcast while floating and they have a strobe if I’m not mistaken.

But the Garmin Inreach SOS function is also satellite based. Not arguing- just asking, why isn't that sufficient for rescue?

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Consider the situation. You’re possibly in the water floating with your PFD on. You’re going to have hold that device up and out of the water for a very long time. The epirb devices are dedicated emergency locater devices with a battery that broad cast continuously for 24 hours. The in reach to me is more of a two way communication device.

 

[zipper]

As I said epirbs are specific to your boat. Registration Requirements
And epirbs float.

 

[Ed255fsh]

Epirbs are boat specific. Inreach can be used on land, hiking, skiing in the backcountry where a cell signal may not be available

You can buy a personal epirb. Not locked into boat. Can be used on land for hunting etc.

 

[Ed255fsh]

Thanks for the response. The area i will be (20 miles off the coast of Ocean City MD or Rehobath Beach DE) do not have cell signal.

The context of my question is more about the SOS ability. To be frank, if my boat is sinking does it matter if I have a Garmin Inreach for SOS or an EPIRB?

Amazon.com

 

[zipper]

You can buy a personal epirb. Not locked into boat. Can be used on land for hunting etc.

That's great, but he wants to use it in a boat. Registration form requires all kinds of boat Information so the USCG will know which boat they are looking for, if several boats are near the coordinates. I prefer the ACR's.

 

[Ed255fsh]

That's great, but he wants to use it in a boat. Registration form requires all kinds of boat Information so the USCG will know which boat they are looking for, if several boats are near the coordinates. I prefer the ACR's.

Not for personal.

 

[CastawayRK]

One more point to ponder. You can rent an EPIRB from someone like BoatUS for $65/week. I haven’t done that but it’s out there

 

[Bluewater272]

20 miles offshore in Maryland is generally well within VHF range to communicate with the coast guard with a fixed (25W) radio - I would be comfortable having a DSC enabled VHF (assuming your VHF can transmit location) alongside an inreach. The primary thing you're losing is automatic distress upon submersion, and not needing to keep it above the water like FSH210 mentioned. Since this is a once a year thing, I'm assuming you aren't going out on bad weather days (though any day can turn bad). There are several android phones that can do satellite communication as well (Pixel 9, S25, etc) that could be on your upgrade list next time you need a phone, as well.