YES, get the EPIRB, 100%. You will truly regret not buying this piece of equipment should you ever be floating around in a bad situation off the beach. You owe it to yourself as well as to your crew. I know it costs money, but any EPIRB is better than no EPIRB! You could get into a pretty good unit for around $500.00, probably cheaper now a days (I have not shopped for them in a few years). Whether your 5 miles off the beach or 20+, odds are that you or atleast some of your crew will not be able to reach land. Get an EPIRB, it's like a (relatively) cheap insurance policy on you and your crew.
Get some good, comfortable Category 1 life vests, and equip them with a signaling mirror, a whistle and/or blinking strobe light.
Outfit a floating ditch bag with all of the essentials too. Food, water, vitamins, flares, first aid, etc, etc, etc.
Be sure to have an assortment of flares (don't skimp on getting a well outfitted flare kit) as well as a nice first aid kit on board.
The list goes on and on, and I know that I am more than likely forgetting some goodies in this two minute write-up. I'm sure others will chime in with helpful information. Good luck this season, and stay safe.
Get some good, comfortable Category 1 life vests, and equip them with a signaling mirror, a whistle and/or blinking strobe light.
Outfit a floating ditch bag with all of the essentials too. Food, water, vitamins, flares, first aid, etc, etc, etc.
Be sure to have an assortment of flares (don't skimp on getting a well outfitted flare kit) as well as a nice first aid kit on board.
The list goes on and on, and I know that I am more than likely forgetting some goodies in this two minute write-up. I'm sure others will chime in with helpful information. Good luck this season, and stay safe.