VHF channell

Saltwater Offshore Discussion
1

Just purchased my first fixed mount VHF with linkkup to GPS and wondering what channel do folks usually talk on offshore, inshore , charter boats etc… and what channel is tow us on ?

Thanks

2012 DLV 198 Carolina Skiff
Clear Skies

2

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtvhf

Channel 16 is for emergencies. Contact another boat or the Coast Guard on this channel.
Channel 22 is for the Coast Guard. After you establish yourself with them on 16, they will switch you over to 22 to talk to them to reopen 16 in case it is needed by someone else.

On that list I provided in the link, most channels below Channel 68 with the term “Non Commercial” are used by guys to chat offshore. 68 is generally what most use to monitor. Once you get a hold of a boat you want to talk to on it, some guys will tell that boat to switch to another channel so that it cuts down on who is listening (ya know, to hide where the fish are biting!!).

You also will contact your tow service on Channel 16. Once you establish contact, they will then tell you what frequency to switch too.

Question, what kind of antenna did you buy, and where is it mounted on the boat? Is it a 6db gain or higher? I believe that is the most accepted standard as a minimum amongst off shore guys. And the higher you can mount it on your boat, the better it is. Seriously, from my experience fishing in boats with the antenna mounted to the center console itself verses to the top of a T-top and your reception when you are 50 miles out is HUGE!!! In other words, get it as high as possible.

3

Thanks for the information, I dont think I will wander out past 20 miles and even then it would only be on exceptional days when the seas are very calm. I normally would probably fish nearshore and jetties , mabye troll up the beach some on a nice day. I have a 198 skiff so I wont be taking her out far. But its nice to listen in on the other boats and see what they are doing and what they are up too. I do plan to get a bigger boat once I feel more comfortable handling the 198. i have a smaller half wave antenna that is mounted on top of the t-top. I had a smaller hand held VHF before that to be honest was a piece of crap. I mainly just want a way to contact someone if I have trouble, and also the weather information is nice, and occasionally listen in on the action.

2012 DLV 198 Carolina Skiff
Clear Skies

4

See this… http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtvhf

Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Marine Surveying & Repair

5
quote:
Originally posted by Sirecks

Seriously, from my experience fishing in boats with the antenna mounted to the center console itself verses to the top of a T-top and your reception when you are 50 miles out is HUGE!!!

I thought mine did pretty good back in January…:wink::smiley:

“Miss Amanda”
-KeyWest
-Bluewater 2020CC
-Yammy F-150
www.joinrfa.orgGod is GOOD!! ALL the time!!
The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.
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6

I didn’t mean that, you silly. I mean when I try to call you to find out where the Miss Amanda is hauling up the dolphin, and I can never talk to you unless I’m within sight of you!!! LOL!!!

But yes, thank the Lord, your antenna allowed us to talk to everyone we needed to that day. Tried and true tested that Miss Amanda can talk to anyone you need to when 50 miles out!!!