Inexpensive marine SSB transceiver

[sneuman]

I have the grounding strap, tuner, etc. already in place in my boat from an earlier installation. It seems worthwhile, therefore, to put an SSB back in service. But I expect to rely on satphone for email and grib files.

So, I'd only want the unit for voice. An older but reliable radio would be fine (I'm not picky about "bells & whistles").

Any advice would be welcome.

[sww914]

I bought a Icom M600 and a tuner used from a boatyard that was scrapping a lot of boats for $300.00 Works great.

[ka4wja]

Well, the short answer is:
An Icom M-700Pro (not the M-700)...a great radio that was very robust and reliable...(cost used is $500 - $600), and does provide decent capability on the ham radio bands as well....

Originally Posted by sneuman

I have the grounding strap, tuner, etc. already in place in my boat from an earlier installation. It seems worthwhile, therefore, to put an SSB back in service. But I expect to rely on satphone for email and grib files.

So, I'd only want the unit for voice. An older but reliable radio would be fine (I'm not picky about "bells & whistles").

Any advice would be welcome.

The long answer is:

My recommendations, in order of preference, are:
a) The Icom M-802 is a fine piece of gear, and is the only affordable HF-DSC-SSB marine radio around....(cost new is about $1800...only seen a couple for sale used, and they're around $1000...)
I know you said you wanted it just for "voice", but having the HF-DSC signaling capability is important (in my opinion)...
And, it works great on the ham radio bands, as well!!
Icom SSB Radio Kits & Components

b) An Icom M-700Pro (see above)..

c) An Icom M-710 (typically $500 - $750 used) or M-710RT (remote head)...not the best unit if you desire to use the ham radio bands much....but it is a good unit overall...
Icom IC M710 150Watt HF Radio | eBay



You may want to check ebay to see what's currently available...
But, don't believe some of the prices that some on ebay think they can get!!




I hope this helps...

John
s/v Annie Laurie