Fixed VHF Radio Recommendation

[kerryo12]

Hi,
We currently have a portable ICOM VHF, but are wanting to buy a fixed one. Does anyone have any recommendations?? Or a good one that they would like to sell??

What is the most important feature in a VHF to be used around Coastal Vancouver??

Thanks
Kerry

 

[Gone Fishn]

If you do buy a used one make sure it has DSC capability. You can pretty much go with any unit if its a small run about. They start at about 99bucks for a unit like the Uniden Solara and go up from there as you add features.

 

[Gone Fishn]

If you do buy a used one make sure it has DSC capability. You can pretty much go with any unit if its a small run about. They start at about 99bucks for a unit like the Uniden Solara and go up from there as you add features.

 

[finaddict]

ICOM makes great fixed units, with really good water proofing and a good reptuation for reliability. They start at about $200.00. I would recommend them.

 

[finaddict]

ICOM makes great fixed units, with really good water proofing and a good reptuation for reliability. They start at about $200.00. I would recommend them.

 

[TenMile]

I really like the "Black Box" style radios -- we have one from Standard Horizon. All of the electronics are installed out of sight with only the mic up front. It keeps all of the electronics clear of any splashes and theives. The mic is slightly bigger and controls all of the radio functions (channel changes, volume, power and so on). When storing the boat, you just unscrew the mic from the jack and take it with you -- hard to tell there is a radio on board.

Most important feature is the DSC. Integrates with your GPS and can relay your precise position to the Coast Guard with the press of a single button. Extremely important in an emergency -- you can even teach your kids how to operate it.

Technically, to operate a radio, you must have completed the radio operators course -- although it's pretty rare anyone checks. They do teach you the proper operation of the channels and how to communicate with the Coast Guard and other operators.

IMHO, the company that combines both a VHF radio with an FRS/GMRS radio has a great product. Would allow for the guys who want to chat with their buddies about fishing, or life in general on a *more* private channel. Uniden makes a handheld version of this radio -- but I believe there is a market for a Marine boat mounted version of the same thing;

http://www.iboats.com/Uniden_MHS550...76--keywords.brand_259_Uniden--view_id.359251

 

[TenMile]

I really like the "Black Box" style radios -- we have one from Standard Horizon. All of the electronics are installed out of sight with only the mic up front. It keeps all of the electronics clear of any splashes and theives. The mic is slightly bigger and controls all of the radio functions (channel changes, volume, power and so on). When storing the boat, you just unscrew the mic from the jack and take it with you -- hard to tell there is a radio on board.

Most important feature is the DSC. Integrates with your GPS and can relay your precise position to the Coast Guard with the press of a single button. Extremely important in an emergency -- you can even teach your kids how to operate it.

Technically, to operate a radio, you must have completed the radio operators course -- although it's pretty rare anyone checks. They do teach you the proper operation of the channels and how to communicate with the Coast Guard and other operators.

IMHO, the company that combines both a VHF radio with an FRS/GMRS radio has a great product. Would allow for the guys who want to chat with their buddies about fishing, or life in general on a *more* private channel. Uniden makes a handheld version of this radio -- but I believe there is a market for a Marine boat mounted version of the same thing;

http://www.iboats.com/Uniden_MHS550...76--keywords.brand_259_Uniden--view_id.359251

 

[Islandgirl]

I have had the uniden solara in my boat for 4 years.. stays in the boat year round because there is only 2 months in the year I don't use my boat..has been GREAT VALUE for the money..still works great.
It does not have Dsc but you have to set all that stuff up too in order to be able to use it in an emergency.

 

[Gone Fishn]

You have the original Solara.. the new Solara DSC is the one for $99 bucks I was mentioning.