radio for emergencys

[texsguns]

need advice would like to install radio for emergency to protect all passengers on board especially 14 yr old son (my world) are cb radios whats used on water??? thanks aka texsguns

 

[KeltonKrew]

Re: radio for emergencys

I think you're referring to a VHF. Get one that has American/Canadian marine and NOAA channels.<br /><br />anywhere from $100+, from handhelds to mount style (look like a cb)

 

[texsguns]

Re: radio for emergencys

so a reg cb/isnt the same???

 

[DJ]

Re: radio for emergencys

larry,<br /><br />CB and VHF are VERY different.<br /><br />You can use a CB on the water, however your listening audience may vary greatly depending on which bodies of water you are on.<br /><br />VHF, typically has a better range. You can buy an adequate VHF for around $100.00. The antenna will be another $30.00-40.00.

 

[texsguns]

Re: radio for emergencys

ok thaNKS A MIL JUST NEEDED TO CONFIRM JUST HAPPENED TO HAVE A LIL CB LAYIN AROUND BUT WILL BE LOOKIN FOR WHAT YOUR DESCRIBING THANKS AGAIN

 

[JB]

Re: radio for emergencys

Hey, Larry.<br /><br />If you are going offshore, the VHF is a necessity. It is also a very good idea if you are fishing big fresh water that is patrolled by the Coast Guard or Marine Police.<br /><br />If you are fishing fresh water far from the coast, use a cell phone also. VHF isn't much use when you are hundreds of miles from the nearest USCG or MP station.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[texsguns]

Re: radio for emergencys

never been a boat owner only been on a boat once boat is only 15 ft aluminum have no idea where im takin it (water) but more then likely will be somewhat small water just tryin to be safe and prepared as for offshore would my boat handle it???

 

[dmessy]

Re: radio for emergencys

15' offshore? Thats a negatory good buddy,ssccuurrch! Sounds like a cell(mobile) phone is all you need. Get the nearest rangers # b4 you go out in case of trouble(mechanical or otherwise).<br />May want to use the CB anyway to communicate with other fisherpeople.

 

[texsguns]

Re: radio for emergencys

OTHER FISHER FOLKS??? ok now im lost do other folks use cb in the water(boat)???

 

[beckerdg]

Re: radio for emergencys

I have not seen too many CBs on boats. I see most folks using cell phones in rivers and lakes. What radios I see are VHF, which if your interested in safety is what the patrol will be using.

 

[texsguns]

Re: radio for emergencys

ahhhhhhhhhh ok now we gettin somewhere thats what ill get thanks a mil texsguns

 

[Homerr]

Re: radio for emergencys

My 2 cents:<br /><br />Up here on the Oregon coast, we use both.<br />VHF for the get-your-butt-outta trouble, and the CB for local lip service. I too have tons of the CB junk around.<br /><br />I bought a VHF Standard Horizon Intrepid w/DSC.<br />Wish I did a little more research before I bought it.<br /><br />Used it a few times, and it quit working. It sat most of its short life. Broke right after warantee ran out. Sent it back and had it fixed for free, but I don't know if I'll trust my life on it. I'll keep it for a backup. It has a lot of features for the price.<br /><br />DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEOFRE YOU BUY A VHF RIG!<br />Keep in mind...It's something that your life may depend on.<br /><br />I personally despise cell phones (at least while folks are driving) I might get one of those disposable or pay-as-you-go cell phones for an emergency.<br /><br />When my boat is done, I plan to run a GOOD vhf radio (primary and my backup), lowrance, and my good 'ol 148 GTL Cobra, Palomar foot warmer and Antron 99!<br /><br />Also, when you are buying an antenna for the VHF, they operate on line of sight unlike a CB.<br />If I'm not mistaken, longer is better on a VHF?<br />Correct mne if I'm wrong...<br /><br />H.

 

[cammydog]

Re: radio for emergencys

Larry, you may also look into getting a whisle and an air horn. You can use these to alert other boaters.As for safety for your family, make sure everyone in the boat has and wears a life jacket that fits.

 

[Ross J]

Re: radio for emergencys

Larry, CB radio works on low frequency. Usually in the 25mh range whereas VHF (Very High Frequency) has a much geater range. Also here in NZ the VHF is usually 25w output. CB is lower.<br />I wouldn't go out without the VHF because all the marine frequencies are pre set. <br />My advise would be to save the CB for another vehicle and purchase a VHF for the boat. If going off shore your life may depend on it.<br />Ross

 

[martinwinte]

Re: radio for emergencys

Alot of marina's (fresh water) monitor chanel 16 (vhf) as do (alot) of "lake" rescue squads (fire/rescue stations in the coverage area of the lake). I am a member of one such squad, and my boat includes a vhf radio (actually mine is a rescue radio with marine chanels programmed into it also), a cell phone (this thing is permentally attached to my hip anyway though), and something almost as inportant, a GPS... I've answered calls on the water before, and a call for help from someone that has no idea where they are is next to useless. <br /><br />My advice (for your boat size and intended use) would be to get a handheld vhf (always check the batteries), a small (cheep) handheld gps, and if you have one carry the cell phone also.

 

[texsguns]

Re: radio for emergencys

Even thou its a lil boat i want all the bells whistles for safty reasons we wont even look at water muchless get in it without lifejackets already gots a spotlight fer it for however i can use it in a rescue/planning to get fire extinguishers/flare gun/mobilphone/first aid kit/and whatever else comes to mind in safty money is not a prob am roughly 6 months away from finishing project just thinkin ahead and had a extra cb lying around i will however be gettin as yall describe as a marine radio thanks a whole bunch yall aka texsguns

 

[araiha]

Re: radio for emergencys

Larry,<br /><br />look up the Coast Guard Auxiliary or power squadron and consider taking a safe boating course. They are a good source of information for your questions and can help you make good decisions for your local area.

 

[texsguns]

Re: radio for emergencys

great idea alaskaskiff willlook into it

 

[BillP]

Re: radio for emergencys

I carry vhf, cb and cell phone (it only takes one stranding 35 miles offshore to make you a boy scout). Excuse me, not to step on toes, but CB signals will skip (very normal) and vhf will not skip(maybe once in your lifetime). Vhf is only line of sight and can't touch CB distance. The downside of CB is you don't know where the person hearing you will be...the upside is they can use their land based phone to call help. <br /><br />If I had to carry only one of the three and be far offshore it would be a CB. Around the coast a vhf is ok or cell phone with the right carrier.

 

[Beaux]

Re: radio for emergencys

Bill is right about the skipping....The Cb can do that. But I would take a VHF for three big reasons if I were offshore. 1) coast guard monitors always 2) it is 25 watts vs 5 watts output for transmitting (more distance) 3) Every oceangoing ship/platform/rig and for that matter almost every boat listens and commuinicates with a VHF marine radio. Therefore, you may get a skip (to who knows where) with a CB, but a marine radio will contact anyone/thing in the water AND they are much more likely to know where you are/be concerned for you/ and have the ability to transmit your distress message to everyone within their range by vhf/cell/CB/satellite phone/or whatever. Just my .02 Good luck