Good afternoon all,
I finally picked up my (dads) boat and he told me he was keeking the mounted vhs radio. I was looking for some input as to the pros and cons of just getting a handheld vhs radio. From what I’ve read it’s just the transmitting power that the handhelds lack. Does anyone just have a handheld vhs and what model do you recommend? I am leaning towards the ICOM so far, but any input from the experienced folks on here is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave
Not an expert but I would think it would be dictated by where you plan on fishing. Offshore I would not go out without a fixed/mounted unit as the reception/transmission capability will far exceed that of a hand held. I fish solely inshore so I bought a hand held. It is a Standard Horizon HS600X and so far I really like it.
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Originally posted by DFreedomNot an expert but I would think it would be dictated by where you plan on fishing…
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Yep, if you pull the boat up to islands and sand bars and get out of the boat, a handheld could save your life. If the boat is too big to make beaching practical then you should get a mounted one. And yes about the transmitting power.Wouldn’t be bad to have both.
TX power is not the problem. Antenna height limits VHF’s first usually. If you stood at the top of a sailboat mast with a handheld, you’d probably talk further than the best fixed mount VHF with an antenna mounted on the deck of the sailboat. The power is different of course, but the VHF waves cannot bounce around the earth’s curvature. They are line of sight. Fixed mount will usually be far better than a handheld because of this primary and secondarily because of the greater TX wattage.
If you will ever take the boat offshore, get a fixed mount Icom and 8ft 6dB antenna with a continuous high quality connection between the radio and antenna first. Handheld waterproof floating Icom for your ditch bag second.
From the same boat, here is what I know:
8ft 6dB antenna mounted on the gunnel and fixed mount Icom 304 will talk 15-20 miles to another boat. Depends on how high the other boat’s antenna is.
8ft 6dB antenna mounted on T top and fixed mount Icom 304 will talk 20-25 miles to another boat. Maybe 30 on a flat calm day.
Either of the above will talk to local USCG, SeaTow or TowBoatUS from the gulf stream because they have high rise towers and a networked system.
4ft 4dB antenna mounted on the center console grab rail and fixed mount Icom 304 will talk to another boat 10 miles away. May be able to hear folks 15-20 miles away, but cannot talk to em. Will not get anything on land when you are at the gulf stream, so you have to rely on boats or planes to relay what you’re saying.
An Icom handheld will talk max 5 miles to someone in a sporty with high antennas. Talking to another small boat, you are looking at 2.5 miles (line of sight) in the ocean. If you cannot see who you are trying to talk to with your naked eye, the handheld won’t get them.
No need to go crazy $ wise with handhelds. The reception and transmission clarity will vary, but generally the more expensive ones are just offering you bells and whistles. Same thing with the fixed mounts. Some have AIS and DSC. Those do not matte
Thanks for the information guys. I have a 21’ Parker Cuddy, and I will not be venturing “offshore” by myself for awhile if at all. I’m just hoping that you guys chase all the fish inshore for me.
Thanks again,
Dave
