Cape Coral VHF loan or cheap buy recommendation

[rtimmorris]

Hi, we're Brits renting a villa with a 24' Center Console. Supplied without VHF!! Really would prefer to have one..... would have brought one if I'd known. Anyone fancy lending me a waterproof handheld, or maybe tell me where I can get a cheapie for a couple of weeks? Many thanks in advance, Tim.
Staying in Wisteria Court, Cape Coral.

[sailorchic34]

Run up to west marine on cape coral parkway and buy a cheap $89 to $100 handheld. Works across the pond too.

[jeremiason]

If you want to take a drive up to Port Charlotte, there is a consignment store there selling used marine parts.

Mariners Trading Company, 3622 Tamiami Trl, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
(941) 629-1341

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Mariners-Tr...6721920520034/

[rtimmorris]

Originally Posted by sailorchic34

Run up to west marine on cape coral parkway and buy a cheap $89 to $100 handheld. Works across the pond too.

Thank you muchly. The west marine store is just around the corner from here, so that is an option at $89. However, I would rather not buy a cheap VHF to take home, and would rather get a loan off some kind person or I might have to spend some bigger bucks and have a better set to add to my collection in the UK.

Thank you for your input, much appreciated.

Best wishes, Tim

[rtimmorris]

Originally Posted by jeremiason

If you want to take a drive up to Port Charlotte, there is a consignment store there selling used marine parts.

Mariners Trading Company, 3622 Tamiami Trl, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
(941) 629-1341

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Mariners-Tr...6721920520034/

Thanks for that, but not really worth the drive which would also mean wasting boating time!!

Thanks, Tim

[akprb]

They are really so cheap at this point in time and reliable, my two cents, spring for the 89 bucks. We have two onboard (The Standard Horizon 99.00 models) which work great and are essentially disposable. West Marine has an ICOM for not much more if you fancy a bit of quality, that being said not much difference at this point in history.

Good luck and enjoy your vacation!

[buzzstar]

To the OP. Look on the local CraigsList (www.craigslist.com). Could be one nearby and really cheap.

[blueazimuth]

So you want a cheap VHF?
But not when you need to use it, right?
Somebody else said West Marine - im not especially a lover of WM, but on "their" brand of inexpensive handheld VHFs, you can't do better for price, features or quality. They have their own brand (As I recall, they are/were made by Icom under a WM label) for around $89-$99. Mine is their "cheapie" it's waterproof (not water resistant) with all US, Canadian and Internationals so can be used anywhere in the world. It has a lithium battery, (essential), a digital battery power meter, 3 power levels and lot of other features. Mine is 8 or 9 years old and the lithium battery still holds a full charge even during a 6+ month off season. Unless I lose it, drop it overboard or somebody "borrows it" I plan to use it for many more years.
Good luck,

[rtimmorris]

Originally Posted by blueazimuth

So you want a cheap VHF?
But not when you need to use it, right?
Somebody else said West Marine - im not especially a lover of WM, but on "their" brand of inexpensive handheld VHFs, you can't do better for price, features or quality. They have their own brand (As I recall, they are/were made by Icom under a WM label) for around $89-$99. Mine is their "cheapie" it's waterproof (not water resistant) with all US, Canadian and Internationals so can be used anywhere in the world. It has a lithium battery, (essential), a digital battery power meter, 3 power levels and lot of other features. Mine is 8 or 9 years old and the lithium battery still holds a full charge even during a 6+ month off season. Unless I lose it, drop it overboard or somebody "borrows it" I plan to use it for many more years.
Good luck,

Thanks for your thoughts. I already have 3 handhelds and two fixed VHF sets on my boat in the UK and I really don't need another to carry home. If I can get a loaner, rental or a used set that would be great. I am surprised my rental boat has nothing!!

[rtimmorris]

Originally Posted by buzzstar

To the OP. Look on the local CraigsList (www.craigslist.com). Could be one nearby and really cheap.

Great suggestion, thank you

[blueazimuth]

What does the rental company say? Handheld VHFs tend to go "walkabout" but surely a 24 ft rental powerboat should have a base VHF? Rental equipmentioned requirements may well be different from that of private use boats - you might want to chat to the US Coast Guard....

[rtimmorris]

Originally Posted by blueazimuth

What does the rental company say? Handheld VHFs tend to go "walkabout" but surely a 24 ft rental powerboat should have a base VHF? Rental equipmentioned requirements may well be different from that of private use boats - you might want to chat to the US Coast Guard....

The boat comes with the rental villa, the reason I rented it. It has safety gear on it (basic basic) but no fixed or portable VHF. Not required legally I understand. No compass either!!!!

[blueazimuth]

Yes, understand.
Unlike the significant depths off the East coast of Florida, the West coast is shallow - engine problems? Deploy an anchor, open beer and sandwiches and wait for help. Once anchored, whatever the wind direction, you won't be blown into deep water - there is none. Your UK cell phone should work over here - mine does, @ £3.29/min.... unless I put a US chip in.
Cheers, and enjoy your holiday
S

[SV Bacchus]

Originally Posted by blueazimuth

Deploy an anchor, open beer and sandwiches and wait for help.
S

If help doesn't come, get out and walk up to shore. I've done that up here in New Port Richey once. Gulf is dang shallow!