VHF Radio

[JimS123]

Re: VHF Radio

Where do you boat . . . on a Duck pond" You don't show where you are from. I can't believe in 35 years you have not heard anyone calling out for help on channel 16.


http://powerboat.about.com/od/marinecommunication/a/CGDiscontinued.htm

Read before you reply. I didn't say I haven't heard a call in 35 years. I said in the past few years I am seeing less usage. On a typical Sunday afternoon I may hear a call every 2 hours, while years ago it was probably every 2 minutes.

The OP didn't say where he was from either. I was merely suggesting alternatives so he didn't buy something that was of no use to him if he WAS boating in a duck pond.

Heck, we used to use CB 35 years ago. They are obsolete now too.

So, to the OP, why don't you contact a local marina or boating club and see what the local custom is. Then you can make an educated decision.

 

[Gfriedman]

Re: VHF Radio

Thanks for the feedback. Boating off the northshore in mass and in and around boston harbor.

 

[turbinedoctor]

Re: VHF Radio

My 2 cents worth would be to go with a 8 foot antenna with a 6db gain. This gain gives good distance as well as communications while in fairly large waves. As stated during the begining of this thread, put more thought into the antenna then the radio. Most radios now days have scan features which automaticly scan channels 9,16 and one other channel you select.

Best of luck to you on this and I am sorry you had to endure the harsh comments made between others in this thread.

Durwood

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: VHF Radio

Gman, I did a lot of research and purchased a radio earlier this year. After reading several reviews I settled on an ICOM M422 which was around $200. Also, after reading several posts on this forum, I dropped another $150 on a good antenna (on sale). No doubt I could have done it cheaper, but I get around the bay a lot and occasionally offshore so I wanted good and reliable performance. By the way, many thanks to Boatist and others like him who posted some good info in this section of the forum.

 

[NYBo]

Re: VHF Radio

Could you please give a citation to the regulations that govern this?

Here is a good primer on the basics of VHF marine radiotelephone use:
VHF use

Watchkeeping requirements:
CG rules for VHF
There is some ambiguity in the wording. It isn't perfectly clear that a voluntarily-equipped boat must have its radio on whenever underway; I've seen both interpretations. Safety dictates having it on at all times, and maintaining the proper watch on 16 (or other channel, depending on the area).

Regarding the use of intercepted radio transmissions for personal gain:
Section 705 of Communications Act

 

[Expidia]

Re: VHF Radio

Tip: since you are on the ocean pick a model that has the ability to add a hailer horn. mine connects to a $25 hailer and it's good for shouting out to other boats or someone on the dock, but more importantly it can go into a fog alert signal that blasts for a few seconds continually in case you get caught in the fog another boat won't run into you.