For the guy wondering about going offshore in his 25-footer
 

Here's a press release about a program that may prove useful to you or
to others who get offshore only once in a while. "Rent an EPIRB", and
it only costs about $40 a week.

BOATU.S. FOUNDATION'S EMERGENCY BEACON RENTAL PROGRAM
WINS MOTOR BOATING MAGAZINE'S "BEST OF THE YEAR" AWARD

The BoatU.S. Foundation's EPIRB Rental Program which gives offshore
boaters an affordable and reliable way to get emergency assistance was
honored by Motor Boating magazine with a "Best of the Year" award.

"Motor Boating magazine editors select the absolute best, the top, the
true innovations of the year," said Editorial Director Peter Janssen.
"The awards celebrate all of the elements of the boating life, and
it's my pleasure to congratulate the BoatU.S. Foundation," he added.
EPIRB Program Manager David Carter accepted the award on behalf of the
Foundation at a ceremony today in conjunction with Miami International
Boat Show.

As a public service the BoatU.S. Foundation rents the Emergency
Position Indicating Radio Beacons for a nominal weekly rate to boaters
who may have an occasional need for the expensive device which can
cost up to $1,000. Once activated - either automatically when entering
the water or by pulling a lanyard manually - the beacon gives rescuers
an exact location of a vessel in distress.

"Since 1997, our EPIRBs have played a role in saving 49 people during
21 activations," said Carter. "This service enables boaters to
inexpensively increase their margin of safety without making a big
financial commitment and is something no offshore boater can afford to
be without."

Reservations for the 406MHz EPIRBs can be requested through an online
form at http://www.BoatUS.com/foundation/EPIRB or boaters can also
call 888-66-EPIRB between noon and 5 PM EST. During the peak season -
May through August - EPIRBs may not be available on short notice so
reservations (taken up to six months in advance) are recommended.

The 2007 rental fee is $40 per week, plus shipping. EPIRBs are not
available at BoatU.S. or West Marine stores, but are shipped directly
to the renter anywhere within the Continental U.S. The Program is
funded by the voluntary contributions of 670,000 BoatU.S. members.