I spend 99% of my time in the creeks and rivers and venture a couple of miles if conditions are perfect. I never went further because I did not have a GPS or radio. I have a 1989 17’ Whaler Newport.
For those that have them, what is there value in these situations?
A necessity ?? ( Haven’t had one in 45 years of boating)
Nice to have ??
An unnecessary expense?
Thanks!!
Nice to have. Sometimes it passes the time listening to the gossip. It also can be very helpful. You need help, or someone else needs help, a cell phone only reaches one person, a VHF reaches anyone nearby that may be able to help, or someone that may need your help.
I’d rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Inshore you don’t need one, when venturing offshore it’s a must have in my opinion. If you get one, get one with a built in GPS and get a quality antenna. 10 miles offshore might as well be 1000 miles if your boat is sinking or you are unable to control the vessel. The red DSSC distress button is as good as gold if there is a problem and your radio is working properly.
'06 Mckee Craft
184 Marathon
DF140 Suzuki
Get a handheld VHF. No installation and you can take it on another boat as a back up. You probably won’t be going far in a 17’ boat, should work fine within a couple miles of shore. I take mine to the beach with the family to listen to the chatter too.
Hand held will typically get you 5 miles on a clear day while fixed mounted will get about 20. Depending on the height of the antenna it’ll be more\less.
For inshore, it’s a nice to have, not really needed on a 17’. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, it’ll certainly get to the USCG faster than a cellphone though.
Redfish Baron Extraordinaire