TOPIC:

My flares are getting ready to expire soon, was curious to see if anyone is using the electronic distress signals available now, and how they like them. Likes/dislikes? Any issues with coast guard?
I'm tired of buying these things and want to see about the electronic options for my minimal trips to the lake. 

I made the switch 2 season back and have had no issues. Like you I was tired of buying new to update. I keep a set of the old put away, just as a back up

I wasn't aware there are electrictronic devices to replace flares. Can you provide details please?

What I don't like about the flairs is that they expire in july, right in the middle of the boating season. I have three sets and all expire in July

SIRIUS SIGNAL ELECTRONIC FLARE SOS DISTRESS LIGHTPRICE $89.95 
Fulfills USCG Night, Day, and audible distress signal requirements. The new and improved SOS C-1003 Beacon is redesigned from original. This SOS Distress Light meets USCG night visual distress signal requirements for navigation on coastal waters, the Great Lakes, territorial seas and connected waters up to a point where less than two miles across for recreational boats over 16ft, or smaller boats operating between sunset and sunrise

That is the same one I have and works well, make sure to test it from time to time.

Yep i use one too, never a problem with substituting for flares. Remember to have the included daytime distress flag that goes with it

Had a safety inspection performed on my boat in Florida.  Discussed the electronic signal devices with coast guard auxiliary, totally legal providing batteries aren’t flat and in date.

Thank you for this information! Greatly appreciated!

Not sure I've verified electronic distress signaling satisfying USCG/federal regulations for boating on waters such as Lake Michigan. The manufacturer may believe it, but I can't find this backed up by an independent source and the regulations clearly state electronic distress signals are for nighttime use only.

walleye13 wrote:

Not sure I've verified electronic distress signaling satisfying USCG/federal regulations for boating on waters such as Lake Michigan. The manufacturer may believe it, but I can't find this backed up by an independent source and the regulations clearly state electronic distress signals are for nighttime use only.
 

I've been gone over by Dnr and Lake county on lake Michigan and by Dnr on Erie and the Beacon ALONG with the daytime orange flag  , is perfectly acceptable as a flare substitute.  As i posted, you must have the orange flag to satisfy daytime requirement