Marine VHF radio

[NewfieDan]

I do almost all of my boating on in Conception Bay in Newfoundland. This can be a very rough parft of the north Atlantic. Storms can come up very quickly with some very large waves with high winds.

To prevent a catastrophe I am looking to install a VHF radio. But I don't know which make or model to start with. There are usually other boats in the area (commercial fish boats) so I don't need a huge range.

Besides the dash mounted unit what else will I need to install. Obviously the antenna, but what about the little incidentals, (connectors, extra cable lengths, zip ties)

Your thoughts?

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Marine VHF radio

Buy the priciest ICOM you can afford and spend at least $100 on an 8' 6db VHF antenna mounted as high on your boat as possible with a SS ratchet mount base, plus an antenna extension (and stand-off supports) if your superstructure permits. You will need to solder a PL-259 connector to the antenna cable after routing it, so you'll need your Portasol portable butane soldering kit to get the job done (and make repairs while offshore). Most antennas come with an ample length of cable so no extension will likely be required. Cable clamps rather than garden variety zip ties should serve you well for rigging purposes.