Marine radio

[Knots]

Looking for advice on what to buy. I just bought my first sail boat 29' Ericson

[Spot]

Hi Knots-
In my case, with a couple smaller boats, I went with a Standard Horizon handheld in a floating sleeve/case.


Do you want more features like DSC, GPS, AIS? That might help narrow down the field.

[S/V Illusion]

HF or VHF?

[SeaStory]

Are you cruising or daysailing?

The most straightforward would be a high end handheld, waterproof and with DSC.

[jmc42]

Standard Horizon HX890 handheld that floats and does DSC. In an emergency you can just hit the button. If you need to call someone, your GPS position is right on the screen. This is a great place to start.

[Knots]

hopefully I go Lake Mich to Mississippi to the gulf to the Caribbean

[SeaStory]

Originally Posted by Knots

hopefully I go Lake Mich to Mississippi to the gulf to the Caribbean

I don't think power and height are really going to be a concern until you get to the Gulf (could be wrong, they are called the Great Lakes for a reason). However, once you get into open water, it will be worth having a radio hardwired to your 12V system, with an antenna at the top of the mast.

I still suggest the above mentioned handheld while planning things out - it will just go in the ditch bag or be part of your dinghy equipment if you ever upgrade.

PS - if you get anything with DSC and might go to the Caribbean in the future, be sure to get your MMSI from the FCC, not Boat US.

[Manateeman]

Antenna at top of mast...perfect for lightning...then no radio.
Look at how high the USCG towers are and every oil boat and rig in the Gulf and every commercial vessel.
Top of the mast. Nope.
Happy trails to you.
Captain Mark and his Tesla Coil zapped manatee crew.

[S/V Illusion]

Originally Posted by Knots

hopefully I go Lake Mich to Mississippi to the gulf to the Caribbean

How much good do you think a VHF will be offshore in the Gulf or offshore in the Caribbean? Again, what are you looking for - a VHF radio or an HF radio?

[Knots]

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

How much good do you think a VHF will be offshore in the Gulf or offshore in the Caribbean? Again, what are you looking for - a VHF radio or an HF radio?

not sure , that is why I was asking for advise. Mainly a handheld.

[frank31]

For Lake Michigan I recommend a fix mount VHF with a built in AIS receiver. These are moderately priced and easy to use. The antenna at the top of the mast for maximum range. Handhelds are great as a back up.