Fixed VHF Marine Radio or just Handheld?

[GreenWave]

What Jammer said. Just get a good handheld that floats!

[John_Trusty]

Originally Posted by fsuklee

My natural inclination is to put way too much into this boat that I really do not need.

Hate to tell you, but this is true for every person who owns a boat. I'm on my third, and they're getting bigger, and I still put "too much into the boat".

[wholybee]

If the antenna is already there, I would at least run coax, and for many handhelds an adapter is available to connect it to an external antenna.

That way, if you do need it, you can connect your handheld to it. Otherwise, use the handheld as is.

[ScottRhodes13]

Originally Posted by fsuklee

I guess one way idea for putting it in is if I get a bigger boat later I could always take it with me.

Don't count on taking a fixed VHF with you to your next boat. Once you've entered the MMSI number (which stays with the boat) into the radio, it can be impossible to change without sending the unit back to the factory.

[Uplander]

A hand held VHF is somewhat more useful if your mast falls down!

[fsuklee]

Originally Posted by Uplander

A hand held VHF is somewhat more useful if your mast falls down!

That is a terrifying thought. Also true.

[Phyrcooler]

I have a fixed VHF for off shore range. However, while I always have it turned on down below, we normally just bring a handheld VHF into the cockpit for monitoring. This is because of the range of my fixed VHF/mast top antenna pulls in way more then I care to listen to. By monitoring the handheld in the cockpit, and keeping the squelch at a moderate level, I’m only picking reasonably nearby radio traffic and USCG broadcasts.

I agree with other comments that a handheld is more than adequate. I also like the idea of a PLB as a part of minimum compliment - especially if solo sailing.

[goboatingnow]

Waterproof cell phone is probably more useful these days. Newer iPhones have sat distress functionality as well.

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by JBP

While a handheld sounds like the right solution, if you are rewiring the mast, you might pull an antenna wire while your are at it if you think you might move to bigger waters.

I would probably just leave a chase line (thin piece of rope) in the mast.

You might not need a coax but if you decide to run something else, it can be handy to easily pull any type of wire/cable.

For your use, a handheld would be the 1st option and yes, cell can be a backup.

I haven't done it but thing with cell phones that could be handy is the share location function with google maps. Now you can send your location info electronically. Save the local CG email ahead of time (might have to dig around for it). Then when you call, you can tell the CG to check their email for details. Saves the problem of verbally relaying lat/long numbers. You can even do it every 1/2hr, so they can put together a rough idea of your drift pattern.

[fsuklee]

Originally Posted by ScottRhodes13

Don't count on taking a fixed VHF with you to your next boat. Once you've entered the MMSI number (which stays with the boat) into the radio, it can be impossible to change without sending the unit back to the factory.

I did not realize that. That is something to think about.

[Sailor Sailor]

Buy a simple floating handheld VHF...there is a Standard Horizon for about $100.

I have a fixed and two handhelds, a rechargeable ICOM with AIS, and an older AA battery-driven model.

The bigger issue here is whether you want to go down the cell phone/smartphone path or learn traditional boat handling and navigation skills. I suggest you avoid starting with the easier all-purpose phone route and start learning traditional skills. Unfortunately, if you take the easy route, you may never learn the more challenging traditional skills. And if you graduate to large lakes, coastal passages or offshore, you could end up with many systems dependent on your phone working.

[fsuklee]

Originally Posted by Sailor Sailor

The bigger issue here is whether you want to go down the cell phone/smartphone path or learn traditional boat handling and navigation skills. I suggest you avoid starting with the easier all-purpose phone route and start learning traditional skills. Unfortunately, if you take the easy route, you may never learn the more challenging traditional skills. And if you graduate to large lakes, coastal passages or offshore, you could end up with many systems dependent on your phone working.

I definitely plan to get a VHF radio of some sort. Cell would be only backup.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by fsuklee

I definitely plan to get a VHF radio of some sort. Cell would be only backup.

Interesting here where I am 80% of all distress are mobile phone initiated.

[Giro]

Cell phones are great. However, I have our VHF radio affixed at the companion way. Cell phones and hand held devices can easily go overboard, but it’s nice to know that the VHF is at the ready for crew in the cabin area and helmsman in the cockpit. In our little 25 footer, it seems like the best way to roll.

[Happ]

Originally Posted by fsuklee

yeah that is a thought. Chesapeake only an hour away. I do have the mast completely off and need to check the existing wiring to steaming light anyway.

One question...if I were to run an antenna up the mast do I just remove the one and the transom and fill in the hole?

Since you are checking wires you might want to consider pulling all new wires while you’re at it. If you decide to go that route you may want to replace any old lighting with LED’s. Then use smaller wires. Do it right and you’ll be good for at least 10 years.