Electronic flares

[GandDFreehold]

What is everyones thoughts on the new electronic flares, used to replace the old handheld or shell type flares?
I see a few benefits and a few faults.
1. Electronic flares don't expire.
2. You need to make sure you always have fresh batteries. (I think a unit that had rechargeable batteries, that could be replaced, would be ideal)
3. Generally much safer than handheld or shell type. No chance of burning down your boat.
4. Disposal of expired flares can be an issue for some. A lot of folks I talk to have issues disposing of expired flares.

Thoughts?

 

[rclementtx]

I've got an electronic flare for my boat, but I boat exclusively on modest sized inland waters. I also carry relatively new (but expired) hand held incendiary flares ... "just in case" ... though I know that I can't count on them as much as those that haven't expired. That's where my VHF comes in too. If I went off shore, I'd want electronic plus honest to goodness flares for visibility sake. The electronic would get me past coast guard inspection without worry of flare expiration. (They don't instantly go bad after their posted expiration date, ya know.). But the honest to goodness flares would be there for the penultimate in visibility when I need it. And when you need it ... you probably really need it. I suggest you select your flares based on the waters you boat on and the challenges of being seen quickly when / if that time comes. I see electronic as my insurance against coast guard citation, but aside from that I'm incendiary all the way on this topic.

 

[JaRod]

I have the parachute and hand flares, complemented with a waterproof satellite phone and ACR personal locator.

 

[FastMarkA]

So long as you ensure the battery is charged, they are much safer than "fire" flares.

A strobe flare will flash for 24 hours or more; once you fire off a traditional flare, you're done in a few minutes.

I keep a strobe onboard as well as my leftover traditional flares; but if the boat is going down, I'm taking that strobe light first.

 

[Gurryman]

I have the electronic flare and day flag, Just put new batteries in every season. I also have 10 smoke, 16 red. 12-12 gauge, all recently expired in hard-case. In my experience flares kept in pelican type sealed cases will last for decades, as they do not go through air exchange cycles. I also have PLB, vest lights, immersion suits. etc. Be sure to train with all the safety gear. The time to learn how to use it properly is not in 6-8 foot seas in an emergency.