In this situation a PLB is definitely the way initially.  However, basic GPS receivers are not expensive, much less expensive than a PLB.  The GPS receiver can be used daily whereas the PLB is something you hope to never use; I hope to retire mine when the battery times out.  
Lee has already decided to get the PLB first -- good decision.  All he needs to do now is study the field of GPS receivers and look for a good deal.
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Better is the Enemy of Good Enough.  
Okay, what’s your point??