'Marine Radio' versus CB

[luckyinkentucky]

What are the differences between the 'Marine Radios' out there and the CB radios? Are they a completely different frequency or are they the same just in a watertight container?

 

[tommays]

Re: 'Marine Radio' versus CB

Marine is a VHF unit which is what anybody who you would need to contact while on the water would be reached on



Tommays

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 'Marine Radio' versus CB

If you are on in-land waters, chances are the only value a marine radio provides is the weather channels. If you are on major water ways like the Mississippi River, Great Lakes, or on coastal areas where there is a great deal of shipping and commercial traffic, then a marine radio makes sense. Otherwise a CB radio might provide more benefit. They serve two completely different purposes. There is no benefit to a marine radio if nobody else in the area has one. You might even be better off with a GMRS (walky-talky) style hand-held.

 

[luckyinkentucky]

Re: 'Marine Radio' versus CB

I live on and travel the Ohio River quite often, and a buddy of mine suggested I get a Marine Radio for contacting the Lock operators, and even the Coast Guard if I needed too. Also I travel on KY Lake quite a bit, and I'm sure there are a lot of Marine Radio users there. Also, I heard that the Coast Guard has no way of communicating with someone on a CB radio. So, I guess I will get a Marine Radio and mount it to my boat. I already have a hand held CB radio that I will just use for land applications.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 'Marine Radio' versus CB

If you need to talk with lock operators, a marine radio is a must, and if the coast guard has operations in the area boat frequently than that also is a reason to have one. I have both a hand held and fixed mount.

 

[Boatist]

Re: 'Marine Radio' versus CB

VHF Marine Fixed radio has 25 watts power out and is good for about 5 miles or 10 to boat on open water about 10 miles. Calling the Coast Guard distance can be 80 miles or more because they have their antennas mount on high mountains. VHF (Very high Frequency) will not skip or bounce so people you here will be by direct line of site. I live in Sacramento about 80 miles insland from San Francisco. Fishing in the river between the high river banks heard a old style automatic SOS MAYDAY. Coast guard tried to contact and got no response. Then they put out a request to see if anyone else heard it to try and get basic location. I responded and they copied so then knew it was within 10 miles of our location.

VHF good for locks and bridges, to contact marinas for guest or fuel dock info. Coast Guard and most Sherrif or police patroll boats will also have VHF Marine. Your are required by rule to monitor channel 16 the calling and distress channel so that you will hear any Mayday call put out near you.

CB limited to 4 watts power out and is in the HF (high Frequency) band. At times you can talk to New York or California but not reach the boat 2 miles away. The signal will skip or bounce. Because of the skipp many times you will here so many signals that all you here is a big squeal andd wadio if worthless. Still many inslands area boat do not use vhf radios.