Handheld VHF vs Fixed Mount VHF radio... strength of signal...

[alandchris]

Getting back into boating finally - 50% of my time will be up and down barnegat bay, near LBI and Seaside Heights, maybe into Sandy Hook bay, 50% will be on freshwater Lake Hopatcong, Lake Wallenpaupak etc.

I don't "think" I'll venture out into the ocean

My question is, would it be ok to use a handheld VHF with the either 1 or 5 watt signal strength - or do I 'have to' go to a fixed mount - with an 8 foot antenna with 25 watts capability.

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: Handheld VHF vs Fixed Mount VHF radio... strength of signal...

If you are within a few miles off shore, and on an inland lake, you wont notice a difference between the fixed mount 25 watt and the handheld 5 watt. Once you venture 6 or more miles off shore, you'll want the 25 watt with an 8' antenna on board.