'The' Best Marine Radio?

[Dispatch]

What is the best marine radio and why?

[carstenb]

Originally Posted by Dispatch

What is the best marine radio and why?

VHF? SSB? Handheld? Integrated AIS? What are you planning to use it for? It might help if you add a few particulars.

[Terra Nova]

Not sure about the very latest models, but Icom has long had an excellent reputation for their high end VHF radio's. Icom, SEA and Furuno for their SSB's, around here.

[ka4wja]

Dispatch,
While carstenb is correct, you need to be more specific as to what type of radio...but also what is your realistic budget...

Originally Posted by Dispatch

What is the best marine radio and why?

If you had unlimited funds (which few of us do), and a 24vdc vessel power system, then the answers are actually pretty easy....

For Marine MF/HF-DSC-SSB:
Sailor 6350 (500 watt)
(Cobham / Thrane & Thrane / Sailor 6350)
costing about $11,000 - $14,000 USD

In addition to all of the other fine features....this has the built-in DVR (digital Voice recorder) that automatically records the last 4 -minutes of what was received....
As far as I know, the only MF/HF-Marine radio that has this capability....

SAILOR 6000 Series - On Your Frequency

http://thrane.sailor6000series.com/d...0_brochure.pdf



For Marine VHF-DSC-FM:
Sailor 6222
(Cobham / Thrane & Thrane / Sailor 6222)
costing about $ 1700 - $2000 USD

In addition to all of the other fine features....this has the built-in DVR (digital Voice recorder) that automatically records the last 4 -minutes of what was received....

SAILOR 6000 Series - On Your Frequency

http://thrane.sailor6000series.com/d...0_brochure.pdf



But, for those of us that live in the real world....with real budgets....and 12vdc power...

For Marine MF/HF-DSC-SSB:
Icom M-802
(about $1800 USD, w/o tuner....and ~ $2400 USD w/ tuner, etc.)
IC-M802 HF Marine Transceiver - Features - Icom America

IC-M802 HF Marine Transceiver - Specifications - Icom America

Icom SSB Radio Kits & Components


For Marine VHF-DSC-FM:
Icom M-604
(about $600 USD)
IC-M604 VHF Marine Transceiver - Features - Icom America

IC-M604 VHF Marine Transceiver - Specifications - Icom America

http://www.landfallnavigation.com/eicm604.html

http://www.amazon.com/Icom-Marine-Bu.../dp/B005CP0V2A



For Marine Handheld VHF-DSC-FM:
Icom M-92D

IC-M92D VHF Marine Transceiver - Features - Icom America

Although some like the new Standard Horizon Handheld....but I have yet to see / use one....besides I'm partial to Icom...



{Although vertex/standard does make some good equipment, for the money, hi-quality, performance, and longevity...the high-end Icom VHF units have proven (in my experience) to be tops....but they are costly...}


I hope this helps...


John, KA4WJA
s/v Annie Laurie, WDB6927
MMSI# 366933110

[fallingeggs]

Well, you haven't given any criteria, but here are my thoughts for an average sailor (and assuming you mean VHF...):

GX2200 from Standard Horizon was my choice in a full featured package for my boat going to the Caribbean's and (maybe) beyond. Still in my living room waiting for the spring to be installed.

Has DSC and AIS, with its own GPS and a single antenna input. It is NEMA 2000 capable and could pull the GPS from the network, but I like the idea of it being able to stand alone (or as the forth back up GPS; however, if I get this desperate I would probably be without power).

Similarly, I will have a separate AIS transponder going to the chart plotter. AIS benefit is primarily easy of calling ships (can press one call rather than typing in the ID), but is also a back up to the transponder.

With a remote mic in the cockpit, I am out $430. I believe the ICOMM mentioned above does everything the GX2200 does, but for $200+ more and I couldn't find any additional benefits.

By the way, get a quality antenna! Shakespeare Marine has a good reputation.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum