Marine Radio For Inland Lakes

[carrotsnapper]

What kind of Radio should I get for my 20 Foot runabout for inland lakes? The biggest lake I go to is Lake Powell. Should I have a handheld or a fixed mount? I'm thinking handheld. You don't need a ham license for a marine radio do you? BTW I have a ham license, but I've never used it. Is there a "Radios for dummies" book around? I know, lots of questions. Thanks. Mark

 

[QC]

Re: Marine Radio For Inland Lakes

I know with a handheld I have to be VERY close to a Marina to get a response on Mead. I would vote for a fixed mount if you don't mind the antenna . . .

 

[Ranger01]

Re: Marine Radio For Inland Lakes

I dont know that you need a ham license for marine radios, i havent heard of that before. If that were the case wouldnt you need the license for the handheld as well? I would say that if you are going to invest the money in a radio to get a fixed one that cant get lost or dropped or whatever. Just my thoughts

 

[ricksrster]

Re: Marine Radio For Inland Lakes

You don't need a license for a marine radio. but you should check out the FCC rules, NEMA, MMSI if you want to hook your GPS up to it for DSC

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Marine Radio For Inland Lakes

A license is not required to operate a VHF marine radio while aboard a private or uninspected commercial vessel. However if you plan to operate a VHF radio from shore or an inspected vessel a permit and a license is required.<br /><br />Although a hand held VHF has a place, I am definately parcial to the fixed mount. I have both.

 

[fishnfire]

Re: Marine Radio For Inland Lakes

Submersible hand helds are great for Life vest pockets!

 

[Boatist]

Re: Marine Radio For Inland Lakes

First VHF radio should alway be a fixed radio. No license required for VHF Marine anymore. Fixed radio with a good quality 8 foot 6 DB antenna range about 10 miles. Hand Held Range about 2 miles. Range a lot more if talking to a site with a high antenna like the Coast Guard.<br /><br />You need to learn what each channel is used for. Channel 16 is Calling and Distress and you are required to monitor it and copy any mayday you here. 22A is to talk to the Coast Guard Only.<br /><br />Most radio's come with a List of channels and what they are for but if your does not can get many places on the internet.<br /><br />Many small inland lakes have very little VHF use. Larger lakes that have a marina and larger boats will also have more VHF use.<br /><br />If you have a GPS also your radio can send a distress signal after you get a MNSI number. Many Coast Guard stations are not yet monitoring this channel yet.