GregBR549

I am looking for a used VHF radio. I will probably be going out no more than about 25 miles. From what I have read, I don't want a handheld as my primary radio(only has a range of about5 miles???). So, I am looking for a dash mount with an antenna. I also understand that the longer the antenna (and further off the water) the more range it will have. So, what should I be looking for? I don't want to spend a fortune on alot of bells and whistles like GPS linkage. I've been looking on ebay and see some for less than $100. Which brands should I look for or stay away from?

thanks for the help,

greg

reelfinatical

My 2 cents = Go with ICOM. I hated the 2 Uniden's we had in previous years - something was always wrong or going out - but I love our 2 ICOMs (so far).

X-Shark

HaHa



With statement's like that you don't understand what a VHF radio is for.



It is a piece of Safety equipment.



So let me try and educate you. Your so called "bells and whistles like GPS linkage." doesn't cost any more. This is provided you don't get a obsolete VHF. They don't have DSC [Digital Selective Calling]



You want that!



I highly recommend to people on a budget or not:



Standard Horizon Quest X and a Digital 529 antenna. It's VERY hard to beat this combination for a basic VHF setup.



Get in contact with me. My neighbor has a S/H Quest with a Digital antenna new in the box he wants to sell for the cost of the radio only.



If a VHF doesn't have DSC, you don't want it. When interfaced to your GPS, with the push of one button. It will send time, date, position to the CG.

X-Shark

Icom's are highly rated.



Why I don't like them.



1] The footprint of space they take up is larger than Standard Horizon.

2] They have a funky way of displaying your position when interfaced. It scroll's across the screen, instead of being displayed like it is on your GPS. They also require the pushing of another button to make them display.



On the LARGE screen of a S/H radio it will display



Time

Date

GPS position

Radio Channel

GregBR549

I am on a budget for this radio. I am now using a handheld gps. Its a garmin 72. I don't think it has a plugin for something else. So, I guess I would need to look fora GPS that will plug in to a VHF with a DSC? There goes my budget!

X-Shark

Look at page 49 in your Garmin 72 owners manual.



http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/GPS72_OwnersManual.pdf



It has NEMA 0183 OUT / IN capability.

oldflathead

I can sell you a new Standard Horizon Eclipse VHF Radio, with DSC and NMEA output/input from GPS, plus a new Shakespeare 8' 6DB fiberglass antenna for $118.25, which includes sales tax. Antenna mounts not included as there are so many variables. I have a good used plastic mount that I will through in. All you will need is wire to connect power.

Tom, BSH Marine 850-572-1225

__________________
[/SIGPIC]

David Ridenour

GO FOR IT!

Corpsman

I saw one on craigslist last night. Search for vhf.

recess

Greg I know you are on a buget. But dont waste your money on a used radio. When you are out 25 miles thats not the time to wonder if your radio and ant. will reach out and touch someone. That might be a LIFE saver for you. We use ICOM radios and a good ant . Talk with the fellows at west marine or georges electronics. There are other consideration like db gain. Height of were you are going to mount the ant. And also were you are going to mount the radio .VHFs radios will kill your wet compass headings. The sea is not very forgiving when you need help.Three of the most important items on you boat out of sight of land are a Good working order bilge pumps,Wetcompass and a good working radio. Gene