Need some suggestions for a marine radio for our boat, we have never had one but I'm planning to buy one for myself for my BD since all my Christmas hints to the family didn't work, lol.
Are the hand held units worth having or should I not even consider that? Which are good, which ones have you had trouble with...suggestions please!
marine radio
Moderators: E_, LC addict, FasterThanYou, crwky
marine radio
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E_
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Re: marine radio
DON'T consider a handheld people use them and like them but I also bet those people are never more than a mile from their dock.
Get a waterproof one even if it is mounted. YOu never know when your boat might be sinking and you can still hold the mic above water and talk. Also it is less of a worry in storms, spills, etc.
Get a pro to soldier the connections instead of using the press method. THis will handle the vibrations, moisture, etc. better.
This is what i have, it is $99 and works fine.
http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product ... 009&r=view
It scans back and fourth on two channels or can scan all the channels and will stop on one that has chatter. It also alerts you to severe weather alerts and will move to that channel if it gets an alert.
I took the advice of Captain Bob and got me a little fold down boosted antenna since I did not want a BIG whip antenna especially since I trailer it.
http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product ... 009&r=view (I think I got the same one somewhere else cheaper. If you want this one do a search on the model number) $59.99 Overtons
HEre is the antenna mount. $8.99 overtons
http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product ... chet_Mount
Here is a pic of mine mounted:
http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j173/ ... 071634.jpg
You can see the antenna in upright position thru the window.
Get a waterproof one even if it is mounted. YOu never know when your boat might be sinking and you can still hold the mic above water and talk. Also it is less of a worry in storms, spills, etc.
Get a pro to soldier the connections instead of using the press method. THis will handle the vibrations, moisture, etc. better.
This is what i have, it is $99 and works fine.
http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product ... 009&r=view
It scans back and fourth on two channels or can scan all the channels and will stop on one that has chatter. It also alerts you to severe weather alerts and will move to that channel if it gets an alert.
I took the advice of Captain Bob and got me a little fold down boosted antenna since I did not want a BIG whip antenna especially since I trailer it.
http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product ... 009&r=view (I think I got the same one somewhere else cheaper. If you want this one do a search on the model number) $59.99 Overtons
HEre is the antenna mount. $8.99 overtons
http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product ... chet_Mount
Here is a pic of mine mounted:
http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j173/ ... 071634.jpg
You can see the antenna in upright position thru the window.
Buy American, the job you save just might be your own.
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MarineAssist
- Better Member
- Posts: 163
- Joined: Mon Nov 17, 2008 10:49 pm
Re: marine radio
Hey LC. Who ya gonna call? 
If you get the fiberglass antenna it can be painted to match the boat.
Handheld radio = 5 miles at best around here, but they can be bought for as little as $50 on ebay. You'll probably have ~ $200 or so in a fixed mount, but it will work much better.
Anybody going to the OSS race can listen to the race on marine channel 78a. It is also going to be simulcast on a couple local FM stations.
If you get the fiberglass antenna it can be painted to match the boat.
Handheld radio = 5 miles at best around here, but they can be bought for as little as $50 on ebay. You'll probably have ~ $200 or so in a fixed mount, but it will work much better.
Anybody going to the OSS race can listen to the race on marine channel 78a. It is also going to be simulcast on a couple local FM stations.
Re: marine radio
Additionally... I have a very nice hand held for the Sea Doo and Runabout, short range to the point of being almost line of sight and half the time I forget to take it with us.E_HILLMAN wrote:DON'T consider a handheld people use them and like them but I also bet those people are never more than a mile from their dock.
I probably will just put it in a Zip Lock and put it in the Sea Doo, then I will probably forget to keep it charged. 
I haven't mounted one in the Runabout because I am looking to maybe trade for a pontoon. By the way the Runabout is a 2002 Sea Ray 220 (actually 23') BR, 5.0L 260 HP, on a Sea Ray swing tongue dual axle with brakes trailer. Very nice with 160 hours or so.