Can someone suggest a VHF radio to install on my 07 Chaparral 214 Sunesta? I think handhelds are out, only 3-5 watts, although a handheld would be ideal. I want something with enough transmit power, that will not cost a fortune...suggestions?
Before your buy it would be a good idea to see if many boater use VHF radios on the lakes. In many areas inland lakes have very few or no VFH radios.
Big lakes with a Coast Guard station then VHF is the best way to go.
Buying a good 8 foot antenna will make more difference than buying a higher cost VHF radio.
My favorite VHF radios are ICOM and Antenna is a Shakespears 5225.
Your max transmit range is about 4.5 miles with an antenna 10 foot high above the water. Talking to another boat with the same set up would be about 9 miles.
Talking to a Coast Guard with very high antennas can be 80 miles on more.
I would definitely agree that the antenna is much more important than the radio. All base type radios are 1-25 watt so spending more will not get you more power. Spending more on an antenna will certainly mean more range, to a point. Get an 8' with 6db of gain.
