I need a good 2 way radio

[alloffroad]

I am finishing up my list of safety needs for the coastguard inspection and need a 2 way radio. I prefer a hand held. My price range is up to 250 dollors. Any recommendations please. I want one with the gps.

 

[alloffroad]

Re: I need a good 2 way radio

So maybe GPS isn't what i am after. I wont be running anywhere on the ocean. I need a radio that will give me coordinates to give to rescue or whoever to let them know where I am if I am in unfamiliar areas.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: I need a good 2 way radio

A radio alone can't give you or anyone else corrdinates as to your position. I think you have been reading about DSC radios that when hooked to a GPS unit can transmit your location when the "Distress" button is pressed. So yes -- you need a gps and you need a DSC radio to do what you want to do. Here is a user manual for a typical DSC radio.

http://www.buytwowayradios.com/products/cobra/manuals/MR-F80B-manual.pdf

 

[NYBo]

Re: I need a good 2 way radio

Handhelds do indeed come with built-in GPS receivers and DSC capability. Here's the one I have: Lowrance LHR-80

 

[alloffroad]

Re: I need a good 2 way radio

I see handhelds with GPS built in but not too many. I like the Lowrance LHR-80 that nybo has.

 

[NYBo]

Re: I need a good 2 way radio

I see handhelds with GPS built in but not too many. I like the Lowrance LHR-80 that nybo has.

Well, you can't have it. Buy your own! (Sorry, it's been a l-o-n-g week!)

 

[NYBo]

Re: I need a good 2 way radio

I am finishing up my list of safety needs for the coastguard inspection and need a 2 way radio. I prefer a hand held. My price range is up to 250 dollors. Any recommendations please. I want one with the gps.

BTW, a VHF marine radio isn't required to pass a vessel safety check. However, it is recommended.

 

[alloffroad]

Re: I need a good 2 way radio

whaaaa whaaaa:facepalm:

 

[NYBo]

Re: I need a good 2 way radio

whaaaa whaaaa:facepalm:

Easy there, buddy.

You are talking about a recreational boat less than 20 meters (65.6 feet) in length, aren't you?:redface:

 

[alloffroad]

Re: I need a good 2 way radio

It is just a 16' bayliner capri. I was just hoping you would give me your radio.

 

[azboater2]

Re: I need a good 2 way radio

The radio is not required, but it always makes me happy when I see one on an inspection. There are currently two models that have built in GPS (that I know of), the Lowrance LHR-80 quoted above, and the Standard Horizon HX851. I have the Standard, but the Lowrance is just as good of unit. Both of them can locate another unit of the same type on the display which is kind of cool. Both are DSC and NOAA. I believe in a few years all handhelds will be required to have built in GPS, just like all fixed mount do now.

Make sure you have vests that fit for everyone present at the inspection, the correct fire extinguisher, and make sure your title shows the correct hull number.

However, that being said, if you really want to reach out on VHF you need a fixed mount with a antenna installed, which means drilling a hole. It makes a LOT of difference in range. You would be surprised how far out you can reach a marina with an 8' on your boat if they have just a short tower. I have a fixed mount and several handhelds but, I like radios

 

[alloffroad]

Re: I need a good 2 way radio

I bought the Lowrance LHR-80. I have my life vests, horn, marine FE. Registration show the correct HIN so I should be ready for the inspection.

 

[NYBo]

Re: I need a good 2 way radio

I bought the Lowrance LHR-80. I have my life vests, horn, marine FE. Registration show the correct HIN so I should be ready for the inspection.

Most of the boats that I failed on inspection last year failed for improper spacing of the registration numbers. :redface: