I have a 19 ft bay boat that I plan on taking to the near shore reefs this summer. I am looking at getting a Handheld VHF radio for communications. What do y’all like? What do y’all not like? Thanks in advance for any help.
I have a Standard that works well! I also use it as a back up in my big boat and the antenna unscrews and I can use the 8’ antenna on it to get more range if needed!
Uniden Handheld VHF MHS75 @ Walmart for $90. Bulletproof/waterproof and VERY strong rubber duck antenanna. Does it all like the more expensive radios.
Fishing the beaches, Bays & Ocean of Wildwood/Cape May, NJ
Soon a resident of Georgetown, SC
If you have the place to install in on your boat, a fixed mount VHF will get about 5 times the transmission distance. And they aren’t terribly more expensive.
Hey fellas thanks for the input. 23. I looked at the idea of a fixed mount at first but I am very limited for console space.
What boat do you have?
What reefs are you considering? If CHS 60, you won’t have the range to talk to land with a handheld. You’ll be able to get other boats in the area if they are within about five miles of you with clear conditions. A fixed mount vhf and good antenna you’ll get between 25-30 miles in ideal conditions. Just know your limitations upfront before you go.
23 Sailfish is right. I am using a handheld VHF now but I’m looking for a fixed mount unit as we speak. My unit is Icom which is a good brand but the best handheld only puts out 6watts of transmitting power. The average fixed mount keys up at 25watts.
I can hear marinas and the Coast Gaurd talking but I usually can’t hear the other boats unless they are very close to me. I would try to go fixed mount if you can. I am looking at the Standard Horizon GX1600 compact model. It’s $169.00 at West Marine. I think that is close to what I paid for my Icom handheld!
Dorado II
Carolina Skiff 25DLV
Just installed a Standard Horizon GX1700 radio with Shakespeare 5400-XT 4’ VHF Galaxy Antenna.
Standard Horizon has a rebate going on till 7-31-2017. $30 on the 1600 and $40 on the 1700.
Got the West Marine SST Rail Mount so I can tilt antenna down to back under shed.
NN
If you go fixed, do not skimp on a quality antenna. The antenna can make a huge difference.
It really depends on what nearshore reefs you are talking about. The thing is, our “nearshore reefs” are not really near the shore at all compared to other coastlines. If you are talking about the CHS 60, edisto 60, capers, and/or other similar reefs, you’d be better off with a mounted with handheld as a backup. If you are just planning on doing the Charleston nearshore reef and/or jetties, sure, a quality handheld is fine. I personally would recommend any handheld VHF with DSC function built in. I have a standard horizon handheld with DSC.
We were at Station Creek today and could clearly hear the offshore from the Deli, Triple Ledge area.
Just saying. Good antenna…
NN
Remember, the higher the antenna the farther it will work! Try mounting on the windsheild grab rail if you can!