I am learning that the razor/blade business model has found a new home in marine safety gear. The first revelation was that a liferaft is relatively inexpensive, but guarantees the manufacturer a lucrative flow of revenue from overpriced service parts. The service guy out here said it in so many words. Now I get my Epirb out and call ACR for a new battery, same deal. Cost of ownership over its life is double or more the cost of acquisition. Then it turns out that this model (purchased in 2000) is too old - "discontinued, no parts anymore". New one is around $450, service twice at $299 each, then dispose of a perfectly good Epirb.

This is the cost of safety I guess. The alternative is to take Blondie Hasler's advice and in the event, "drown like a Gentleman".