Which VHF to buy?

[dubblbubbl]

I'm looking at getting a VHF for my aluminum boat. I'm leaning toward the Raymarine 53. Do you have this radio? if so, likes? dislikes? What antenna are you using? I'm thinking about the 8ft metal base Shakespeare 5101 with SS ratchet mount. I'm not too familiar with other brands/models, but Raytheon is a good name and I have a couple of buddies that swear by them.<br /><br />If you have a different make/model I'd like to hear your opinions too. The one requirement for this radio is that it must be completely waterproof as it will be exposed to the elements.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Which VHF to buy?

Can't go wrong with Raymarine/Raytheon.. Good stuff... Standard, Icom, both good as well.. Only ones I might shy away from are Unidens.. I dunno about them...<br /><br />Most all radios now-days are waterproof for use in open cockpits.. Rain, spray, no problem..<br /><br />I'm running a Standard eclipse model VHF with the 5101 Shakespeare antenna mounted up high on a t-top.. Like them both very much... Good reception...

 

[rc581]

Re: Which VHF to buy?

i run a uniden, model mc 1010 with an 8 ft. fiberglass whip. 4 years old now and not one problem with it. believe they are all more or less waterproof now days. good luck....bob

 

[Ross J]

Re: Which VHF to buy?

Yep, Uniden 1020model here in NZ. 4' whip antenna<br />with trouble free reception and transmission for 6 years thus far. Showerproof, rainproof and shockproof.<br />Take it off the boat every trip when home (for theft prevention) and the supports are durable and reliable also.<br />Ross

 

[Boatist]

Re: Which VHF to buy?

I agree Raymarine makes good radio's. The Speaker is large enough to give you good sound. Being a little older I also like the large LCD display so I can read the channel without glasses.<br /><br />One thing I do not like is the DSC button is on the Mic. Leads to getting pushed when you do not want to. Would be like having a 911 button on the back of your cell phone. Could lead to a fine from the Coast Guard. This button should be covered on the radio.<br /><br />I really like the Shakespeare Galaxy 5225 antenna. I had an Shakespeare 497 and thought it worked pretty well until it hit a tree and got broke so I got the 5225. The 5225 turned my radio from a average radio into a super preformer. I fish offshore and alway camp right at the Boat ramp camp. Over the years many people I have met in the camp have came to me and ask what channel did you have on, I could here fisherman talking on your radio and tried ever channel and could not pick them up. While a couple had shorted coax many just has a low quality antenna. Two of my best friends I meet while camping switched to the 5225 and it had the same effect that I got when I switched.<br /><br />Best thing you can do to make your radio last a long time is to take it in out of the summer heat when not in use. Heat ages speakers and internal componets. Before you buy also look at ICOM.