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Old 09-05-2021, 14:03   #1
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Marine radio

Looking for advice on what to buy. I just bought my first sail boat 29' Ericson
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Old 09-05-2021, 14:11   #2
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Re: Marine radio

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.
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Old 09-05-2021, 14:15   #3
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Re: Marine radio

HF or VHF?
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Old 09-05-2021, 14:18   #4
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Re: Marine radio

Are you cruising or daysailing?

The most straightforward would be a high end handheld, waterproof and with DSC.
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Old 09-05-2021, 14:25   #5
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Re: Marine radio

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.
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Old 09-05-2021, 17:40   #6
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Re: Marine radio

hopefully I go Lake Mich to Mississippi to the gulf to the Caribbean
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Old 09-05-2021, 17:49   #7
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Re: Marine radio

Quote:
Originally Posted by Knots View Post
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.
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Old 09-05-2021, 19:33   #8
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Re: Marine radio

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.
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Old 09-05-2021, 19:36   #9
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Re: Marine radio

Quote:
Originally Posted by Knots View Post
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?
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Old 09-05-2021, 19:39   #10
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Re: Marine radio

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Originally Posted by S/V Illusion View Post
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.
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Old 09-05-2021, 20:39   #11
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Re: Marine radio

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.
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