Finding the right VHF

[levittownnick]

I'm interested in purchasing a low cost (less than $200), fixed mount VHF for my 20' boat. I use my boat in salt water so I would like the submersible feature (JIS Grade 7) and would like it to have dual output power options of 25W & 1 or 5W. <br />I have no idea on brand name reliability, this is important to me.<br />Where do I start? Is there a comprehensive guide?<br />Antenna selection is also a concern.<br /><br />Thanks much,<br />Nick

 

[phantoms]

Re: Finding the right VHF

There are several VHF radios that meet your needs for under $200. I have a Uniden Oceanus DSC (about $150), but there are just as many good ones in the $100 - $200 range. Save a little on the radio and spend extra on a good antenna. Go for an 8 foot even though it seems excessive on a small boat. VHF signals travel line of sight and don't bounce around like lower freqs. Because of this, you can only communicate when your antenna can make a straight path to another antenna. This means the higher the antenna, the better.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Finding the right VHF

I agree with Phantoms get the best antenna you can afford. I really like the Shakespeare 5225 but there many good 8 foot 6DB gain antennas out there. Antenna that do not flex much last longer. Stainless steel mounts hold up better. Antenna with copper and brass elements receive and transmit better. All fixed mount radio's will have 25 watt output and a 1 watt output. Radios I like ICOM, Standard, and new Uniden's. Really most all fixed units are pretty good today. The main difference is in features. Thing like how big a speaker it has and audio power, does it have a hailer, automitic fog horn, DSC for distress and locating your buddies. How big is the LCD, does it Scan all channel or selected channels. Some units come a lot closer to 25 watts than others. Some units will tell you the function of each channel. Like 16 Calling and Distress, 22A Comm with the Coast Guard.<br />Do not expect more than 20 miles boat to boat. Boat to Coast Guard can be 80 miles because the Coast Guard antennas are mounted high up.

 

[levittownnick]

Re: Finding the right VHF

Thanks for the input, it is most welcome. iboats has the Standard Matrix GX1280S for $167.62. It has mor features than I need but the warantee sold me (fails for any reason in the first 3 years etc.).<br /><br />Thanks again,<br />Nick

 

[snagroms]

Re: Finding the right VHF

Just went through the same exercise two weeks ago. I found a cobra mrf 55 and shakespere antenna (5206 6db) with mount for $119 at bass pro online. It is submersible and should work well for me and my infrequent nearshore fishing.

 

[jhebert]

Re: Finding the right VHF

The U.S. Coast Guard is recommending that recreational vessels be equipped with a VHF Marine Band radio that meets the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Class-D recommendation at a minimum. This will be an important safety feature for your boat.<br /><br />Most of the current radios on the market do not meet the DSC Class-D recommendation. There are really only a few that do, and they are in the main radios which have just been introduced or will soon be introduced. The least expensive Class-D radios are in the $250 or higher range.<br /><br />All radios sold in the United States must meet FCC minimums for performance. I have found that ICOM and Standard-Horizon radios are generally superior in my experience.<br /><br />You also need a GPS to take full advantage of the DSC radio, so that it can transmit your position in a distress situation.