I heard somewhere that when the battery on your GME EPIRB Expires you can get it replaced for about half the cost of a new unit. So I sent an email off to GME with the details of my recently expired MT410G and they said they don't just replace batteries, they exchange the units. The cost of the exchange unit is $279 + Freight. Now, I can go down the road and pick a new one off the shelf at Whitworths for $299 or get a new one online for $295 including freight. Has anyone else been through this process. Seems like just buying a new one works out about the same on the bank balance. Maybe there are better saving with the more expensive units.
I had mine exchanged last year by GME for $150, did it while I waited. Price has gone up somewhat!
Last time I popped one of these babies open, it was just powered by a bunch of standard penlight aa eveready batteries. Expiry date driven by battery use by date. A quick $5 spend on bats had her good for many more years. Let amsa know the new date when you re-register the epirb.
Have I missed something? *
* Ive had a few beers this evening 
Yeah, I'm tempted to do exactly that Poodle. The EPIRB is is still in brand new condition. I could still buy a new one (for piece of mind) but why throw the old one out when it just needs a couple of batteries. Bit like keeping out of date flares that still work. I had a life raft that was about 6 years past its service date. It was new in about 2000 so we popped it in the back yard (2013). Checked out the gear inside and then set off a few out of date flares that all worked correctly. If I was floating around in the water waiting for a rescue, it would be good to have another EPIRB to switch on as the battery petered out on the last one. Maybe I should get a hand full of these batteries (and a screw driver) and put them in the emergency grab bag.
Enjoy your beers
It sounds marvellous all those savings...but...have you been thinking while you were writing those words of wisdom of you and your crew's life and well-being let alone insurance ?
I think fiddling around with Epirb's is irresponsible if not criminal.
My ACR water activated GPS Epirb a $600 one, ran out of date recently, OLBIS (07-3875-1155) in Corinda SERVICED AND CERTIFIED it for $274 inc. postage. 
Hello Sirgallivant, Sorry to get your hackles up, but just to clarify my position. I carry 3 x EBIRBs. One (MT403G) inside the life raft, one (MT403G) attached in the companion way and the smaller unit (MT401G) I have on me at all times. What I was suggesting (actually wrote) was to buy a new unit and keep the old unit as well. Which would give me 3 x factory sealed units and 1 possible spare that I could keep replacing batteries (if needed) till help arrived. Now if you add this to the fact most of my sailing is done solo, there shouldn't be problem with the crew.
And just what do you do when the battery runs out on your EPIRB and help hasn't arrived yet. Poodle's suggestion gave me a glimmer of hope. Think of it this way. Its like having an emergency rudder on you boat for when the main one fails or a backup GPS plotter, or a back up Auto Pilot or spare sheet ropes, spare spark plugs for the outboard. Why shouldn't we all have a backup plan for the EPIRB if it fails before help arrives.
For me, an EPIRB is the absolute last resort and activating it would only be done after exhausting all other avenues. I don't believe other people should endanger their lives to come to my aid. Just read "Fatal Storm". What the rescue crews did during that operation was too much to ask of anyone. You make your own bed, so you should be prepared to lie in it.
If having a backup plan is Criminal, then guilt as charged.
Whoooaaaaa! Dear Crusoe you do not owe me any explanation, l am not aware of your PERSONAL situation, even if l was, l would not dare to criticize you, personally.
My observations were general in nature, anyone might call them conservative nevertheless sound, l am sure of that.
Whoooaaaaa! Dear Crusoe you do not owe me any explanation, l am not aware of your PERSONAL situation, even if l was, l would not dare to criticize you, personally.
My observations were general in nature, anyone might call them conservative nevertheless sound, l am sure of that.
Hey Sirgallivant, no problems. I was just giving a bit more detail of my situation so no one would thing I didn't take the use of EPIRBs seriously. They might be a legislated requirement for some areas of boating but certainly not why I think they are important. And when I have crew on board there is a lot more responsibility for me. Got to make sure they all come back home (healthy).
Keep the comments coming as I won't take offence. My ideas are always evolving so the more feed back the better. So much to learn in life and so little time.
Cheers
Select to expand quotePoodle said..
Last time I popped one of these babies open, it was just powered by a bunch of standard penlight aa eveready batteries. Expiry date driven by battery use by date. A quick $5 spend on bats had her good for many more years. Let amsa know the new date when you re-register the epirb.
Have I missed something? *
* Ive had a few beers this evening
Great idea, Poodle. I thought the Epirb case might be plastic-welded together so you can't easily open it. Are you saying your's could be readily opened - did you just undo some screws or was it tricky?
My 2 cents worth. My extensive background in electronics tells me this 'specialist' requirement for EPIRB battery replacement and 'servicing' is just another manufacturer wank. A nice little after market milk cow.
There's nothing mysterious or high tech about an EPIRB - your iPhone is higher tech for that matter.
The average Joe is quite capable of replacing a battery. As for an EPIRB needing servicing - you mean a piece of electronics with no moving or perishable parts, that is never powered up (until required), needs 'servicing'......really?
And don't get me started on use by dates on flares - a magnificent milk cow.
regards to all
Allan
One my fishing vessel I had a New Zealand made Epirb that had easy battery replacement. Just had to make sure the date of the battery replacement was kept up to date for the annual survey. It had screws and a rubber gasket for ease of service.
My GME is the same model as yours and takes 2 lithium batteries model 123 (3 volt batteries) except with little metal tags spot welded each end of the battery. Those lithiums are only about $20 for a packet of 2. See if you can get advice from your electronic store about attaching the wiring.
I am always prepared to have a go at servicing my stuff. As so called experts have let me down too many times including a faulty life raft product and service that could have cost me my life. Its your life your responsibility.
Just to be clear, this discussion is not recommending or suggesting that anyone replaces his own Epirb batteries.
This is just what forums do - those with particular interest in a topic exchange tips and experiences; those not interested or against it can
go read some other threads. Similar to lifejacket threads - there will be all points of view on a forum; but ultimately forum opinions mean nothing - YOU decide when you should wear or not wear.
