Electronic Flare on sale today only @ WM

diggin2day1

Coast Guard approved electronic flare/distress signal on sale at West Marine today only for $69.99... 30% off. 

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/weems-plath--sos-distress-light-electronic-flare-with-distress-flag--17466988?recordNum=1&cm_mmc=EM-_-Promo-_-N/A-_-N/A

Stodge

WOW 

Willhound

I wish our Canadian Department of Transport would get off their butts and adopt these for use. They've been "studying" it for two years now and everyone in the industry is calling for it. With the exception of the flare manufacturers of course....

Stodge

@Willhound A few years ago I reached out to the Coast Guard folks who deal with Vessel Safety Checks because the regulation for this light existed but I couldn't find a light had the certification.  At that time they said none existed.  I was thrilled when someone finally made one.

Maybe you need folks up there to push the pollution/safety issue of using flares.  That might get more traction.  

Michael T

It looks fantastic, sturdy and visible. Great price! I the C.C.G. is about to announce a decision regarding electronic flare devices. Yes, @Willhound it is about time.

raybo3

Just ordered should see it next week........

LaRea

If they change the law to accept LED flares in place of pyro flares, will you stop buying pyro flares?  Not me.  I want both tools available in an emergency.  

Any boater is free to buy and use LED flares.  It's just a question of whether the law requires you to also have pyro flares.  

Stodge

The law lets you have either where flares are required.  Similarly, we will pass a boat with either one when doing a vessel exam.  

[Deleted User]

Thanks for the heads up diggin2day1, I just ordered mine. FYI they take regular household "C" type batteries good for a couple of years. Probably a good idea to change for fresh batteries every time you put the clocks forward like I do with smoke detectors. According to the Q&A, the Coast Guard could technically check for expired batteries, but I find that unlikely. I think I'll keep my expired flares as a backup.

Andy

Dream_Inn

I boy bought one last time they were for the same price. Still in package till spring. Gotta get some C size batteries for it too.

LaRea

I received mine this week.  Holy cats, is that thing bright.  Don't look directly at it.

aero3113

Some good info on different types of flairs.
https://youtu.be/3dLL-1cLQGM

raybo3

Got mine yesterday. Definitely dont look strait into it. Very bright.... 

[Deleted User]

I wouldn't look at this thing without welding goggles! I shut it off quickly so the Coast Guard didn't show up at my house.

Andy

LaRea

I will definitely continue to carry pyro flares.  Here's the thing:  there are two reasons to use a flare. 

The first case is when rescuers know about your emergency, and they are actively trying to find you.  For this case, the LED is superior because it's safer, it lasts for hours, it floats, it can be tied to a mast, and so forth.  

The other case is people do not know about your emergency, and you are trying to get their attention.  In this case, the LED is just a flashing beacon.  A casual observer might look right at the LED without realizing that "...---..." is Morse code for SOS.  At a quick glance, it could be mistaken for a buoy.  That would never happen with a flare.  

So, the LED has earned a permanent spot in my safety gear -- right next to my conventional flares.  

Dream_Inn

I agree LaRea.  I will have the flares, but I don't like them because they are hot and dangerous (I've lit some old ones in my driveway several times, they are hard to hold). 

I'd say luckily on the bay, there are always people around, but, I will also say that even when in distress, people will go right by you.  I've had it happen, with my family in the water. The last thing I want to do after having a fire on a boat, is light a flare.   

Stodge

We (Coast Guard Auxiliary) did a demonstration for the public where we had people use stick flares, flare guns and the rocket style.  The sticks are really dangerous if not used correctly.  The guns only last 15 seconds or so.  The rockets are impressive but expensive.  

If you're in a area patrolled by the Coast Guard, you are likely in a area where flares (or the new electric devices) are required.  The tickets they give out for those are expensive.

raybo3

This will be the wave of the future and everyone will have them as some point and time. It extremely bright and safe. Its like anything, people need to be educated on it.

LaRea

Yeah, it will take years for LEDs to be as widely understood as pyro devices.  

Stodge

They are on sale again till tomorrow for $65!!

JoeStang

Thanks stodge, I'm def buying one