Two way radios on local lakes

[mrallen007]

Hey all,

I'm curious what your thoughts are about getting a two way radio for a small fishing boat used almost exclusively on local lakes in a major city, the DFW area. I have a gps chart plotter and fish finder. I have the option of adding a radio that can pull gps info from that unit. That enables location based distress calls and AIS among other things. Are such things really necessary on local lakes? Do people use them and monitor them enough to make them worthwhile? Or is this overkill? I'm a gadget nut and want to make sure there are good reasons to do this other than looking really cool in the boat. My gut tells me ther are sound reasons to have it but if I'm the only one inland that has it then it's a bit of a waste. Any thoughts?

 

[cptrick3]

I live on the Columbia River. That last time I had to call the Coast Guard, (marine radio), they asked me to call them back on my cell phone.

 

[GA_Boater]

I would give the DPW a call and ask them if they monitor VHF on the lakes you use. Otherwise 911 is probably the best bet. I don't think there are many CG cutters on Fork, Texoma or other Texas lakes.

 

[mrallen007]

Great points. I keep seeing that the emergency channels are coast guard monitored. That had me wondering what good they were inland. I didn't know if game wardens or first responders on local lakes also monitor them. I'll make some calls and see if those are monitored. They seem important for offshore boats but maybe not as much for local guys like me. And you're right. No coast guard cutters on lewisville or grapevine either.

 

[southkogs]

Pretty much agree with everything said, but I'll add one "but:" I got a small handheld marine radio for my boat last year. TWRA, USCG Aux, Park Rangers, sheriff, fire and tow boat do actually have them here in Nashville, though like was said - most prefer cell phone.

I like having the weather radio ... tuning in the NOA broadcast or watching the alert icon is kinda' handy.

 

[MTboatguy]

Where I live an emergency radio would do nothing at all, the lakes are at least 50 miles from the local emergency responders and I have found with my years of work SAR, that most local agencies might monitor, but they really don't pay that much attention these days, so you are probably over thinking it, if something happens for the most part you are going to have to depend on your skills and your fellow boaters.

 

[mrallen007]

I really appreciate the opinions. Anyone who knows me will say I tend to over think things. Given that most of my time will be spent on lakes in the Dallas area, the lakes are generally congested and most other boaters are courteous or at least willing to help. I've gotten help from others before. I guess I will continue to rely on that and investigate with local authorities as to what they feel the best contact options are. I just like being safe and over prepared.

 

[dingbat]

Great points. I keep seeing that the emergency channels are coast guard monitored. That had me wondering what good they were inland. I didn't know if game wardens or first responders on local lakes also monitor them. I'll make some calls and see if those are monitored. They seem important for offshore boats but maybe not as much for local guys like me. And you're right. No coast guard cutters on lewisville or grapevine either.

Something to think about......if something goes wrong, your best chance of rescue / survival doesn't reside with 911 or the Coast Guard, but with your fellow boaters

With a push of a button, VHF will instantly broadcasts a mayday and your position to every boater/ rescuer within range. Help can /will arrive almost immediately. A cell phone on the other hand.......

A real life scenario played out locally last spring. A vessel with 6 on board was taking on water for unknown reasons. Even though there where 4-5 boats within eye sight, they didn't have VHF. Nor did they have their cell phone numbers. With no other option, they called 911 and where connected to the local police department 20 miles away from the scene.

Luckily, someone at the police station knew of a friend out fishing in the general area and after a number of tries, where able to contact with him. Turns out he wasn't but a mile away from the boat in distress but unfortunately, it was too late for the two that died of cardiac arrest from the 52 degree water temps. The other 4 where pulled to safety and taken back to the dock to be airlifted to shock trauma.

We will never know for sure if the two would have survived had they been able to radio for help. I'm not taking that risk

 

[seadogmike]

My radio stays on all of the time. I spend a lot of time in the Charleston area and in that instance Many times I have heard broacasts of boats in distress. If I am in the area.... I always try to help,You never know when you might need help someday

Just my opinion For what it's worth

 

[littlerayray]

I am looking into vhf but I boat on the st lawrence it's busy and you never know I also make float plans and carry my cell with me

 

[JimS123]

I started out with a CB when they were fashionable, but eventually took it out when they became passe' on boats. I've had a VHF on board for 40 years. When mine crapped out a few years ago I bought a new one - just because.

It used to be on all the time when afloat. But truthfully, Its been years since that was the case. I do a radio check now and then, and usually don't get a reply. I can be out all day and never hear another boater.

I boat in the Great Lakes.