VHF Radio

[KellyC]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me a good VHF radio to buy? I will mostly be on the Columbia River but may go out as far as buoy 10 fishing. I just got a Lowrance Elite 5 GPS/Fishfinder combo from the wife . Trying to get things bought to have on hand when I finally get the boat ready to put into the water. Thanks for all your input in advance.
Kelly

 

[Boatist]

Re: VHF Radio

If buying a radio right now be aware that after March 25 2011 VHF Marine radios must be DSC Class D or above to be Imported, Sold, or Installed in the USA. So a Lot of dealers are trying to get rid of their DSC Class SC101 before that date.

I like ICOM and Standard but most radios are very good today. I suspect there will be some new model coming out soon to replace the models that can no longer be sold.

Take your time and get the features you want and need. Larger Speakers are easier to here over engine noise and wind. Larger displays easier to see the channel numbers and GPS position displays. Some units like the Icom 504 will tell you what each channel is used for. Almost all units today are at least dual watch and scan so you can monitor channel 16 as required and scan the fishing channel or Vessel Traffic Service.

If you really want to research before you buy then search on line and read the reviews and before you buy down load the operator manual. Some are much easier to to program and use.

 

[KellyC]

Re: VHF Radio

Thanks for the info Boatist, it will be helpful. I am not in a hurry to get one as of yet, but was wanting to know what I should be looking for and quality of radios. Just don't want to buy something that is a junker down the road is all. Again thanks for your input.

 

[Boatist]

Re: VHF Radio

I am also thinking about adding a second radio since I no longer have a Loran C antenna on the port side. I have been looking at the ICOM M504 which has a good reputation.
Right now until March 25 2011 they have a $70 rebate on some
M504 models. That is a scary date as it is also the date that radios that are not class D DSC can no longer be sold. Besides having to be class D there are some Programming changes that also had to be made to some radios.

Another radio I am looking at is the Standard Horizon GX2150 that is Class D DSC plus also receives AIS information on the same VHF Antenna. It can not send AIS information,

One point I failed to mention in my last post is in my Opinion a top quality antenna is more important than a top quality radio. I compare all antennas to the Shakespears 5225 antenna. Back before they closed the Salmon in California for 2 years the Camp Ground with boat ramp I camp at would be full of boats and fishermen. I would always take some Radio test gear and some coax and helped many fix their radio problems. 9 out of 10 problems would be antenna or coax problems not radio problems.

Below are a few links with good VHF DSC information.

http://www.boatus.com/foundation/dsc/player.html?WT.mc_id=400090

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-f4nhnBThg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdkxsWBncSc&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQk5MRwuxgo&feature=channel