this is my first post on charleston fishing but i have gotten more good information off here than anywhere else. So thanks in advance. I am looking at buying a vhf radio and was looking for some good input on which one i should get. I have a 17’ pioneer and stay in shore or on the lakes for the most part. Thanks again for any help.
Pioneer
just about any of them will be fine
they all put out 25 watts
just get a decent antenae
I did a bit of searching around before replacing mine last summer and wound up going with this one. Has the features of the more expensive radios and $150 at West Marine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdvgQemV67I&feature=related
'07 198 DLX Carolina Skiff
FS90 Suzuki
If you shop your local service centers not West Marine It will save you alot of money.
thanks for the info. Are there any real disadvantages to the handheld radios as opposed to a fixed mount?
Pioneer
minimal antenna to throw signal. Some can attach to a whip however.
antenna and height is the key
KNOTHEAD
Maximum power on a handheld is 5 watts as opposed to 25 for a mounted VHF, but the antenna height is what determines your range anyway.
Handheld max is actually 6W. If you stay inside the jetties or just past them and mostly want it for weather info and as backup to cell phone. Hand held is fine. I recommend icom I have been extremely happy with mine
“Go Tech GO”
quote:Some handheld radios have a six watt maximum power. Most are five watts. That's with a fully charged battery. A cell phone is not a replacement for a marine VHF radio. Call "mayday" on a VHF and everyone in range can hear you. Who are you going to call on a cell phone when your boat is filling with water?
Originally posted by Reel HokieHandheld max is actually 6W. If you stay inside the jetties or just past them and mostly want it for weather info and as backup to cell phone. Hand held is fine. I recommend icom I have been extremely happy with mine
“Go Tech GO”
A 25 watt fixd mount VHF with an eight foot antenna can be had for under $200 and is the best setup. Standard Horizon is a respected brand as is Icom.
Ron
2000 Camano Troll
North Charleston, SC
one word…ICOM
I bought the standard horizon phantom ps-1000…LOVE IT! The base unit is mounted under the console and all the radio functions are controlled from the hand held mic. For an 18’ cc this is excellent, nothing taking up room on the smallish dash etc. I paired it with the 36" s.s. sailboat whip style antenna. I put it on a rail mount that goes on the grab rail on side of console. I ran extra wire such that when I need/want better reception I can move the rail mount from down low to up high. For what I do inshore and nearshore it has been perfect. Good reception and good broadcast, it is DSC enabled, I just don’t have the other half of that.
“If you had to tell someone how good you are, then you probably aren’t that good”
02 Carolina Skiff 175 Hondinosaur 90
quote:
Originally posted by rwidmanquote:Some handheld radios have a six watt maximum power. Most are five watts. That's with a fully charged battery. A cell phone is not a replacement for a marine VHF radio. Call "mayday" on a VHF and everyone in range can hear you. Who are you going to call on a cell phone when your boat is filling with water?
Originally posted by Reel HokieHandheld max is actually 6W. If you stay inside the jetties or just past them and mostly want it for weather info and as backup to cell phone. Hand held is fine. I recommend icom I have been extremely happy with mine
“Go Tech GO”
A 25 watt fixd mount VHF with an eight foot antenna can be had for under $200 and is the best setup. Standard Horizon is a respected brand as is Icom.
Ron
2000 Camano Troll
North Charleston, SC
Which is of coure why I said 6 Watt is MAX. They only differance between a 6W and a 25W is transmitting distance. Also I didn’t say that the cell phone was a replacement for the VHF I said the VHF is a good backup to cell phone. This of course is not for guys who go nearshore, offshore etc. but combo works fine for inshore inside jetties.
I have at least 10 people I could call at anytime or I could just call the coast guard… even if my boat was filling with water.
“Go Tech GO”