Marine Band Radio

[Braxt]

Looking to buy a marine band. Hand held or mounted? Brand? What have you guys had luck with?<BR>

[Eastwind]

I bought an Appelco five years ago for around $200.00 including the antenna and I have had good luck with it. My friend has a Shakespeare in the same price range and he is also happy with his. Make sure that it is a completely water proof model unless you have an enclosed cabin and stick with the 8' high antenna as a marine band radio works on line of sight for reception.

[Eastwind]

To answer your other question. Mounted! You don't want to be worrying about a hand held bouncing around as you are out there busting waves.

[bajafisher]

On VHF radios, I have been using them for 30 years, both in sportfishing and in coastal waters with the US Coast Guard. The best in the industry are not made anymore and were the Polaris brand. Nowadays the Icom or Standard are probably the best for the money..under $300. I recommend the Icom..but I have both. A mounted Icom and a handheld Standard Horizon. It's a very good idea to have a spare (charged-up) handheld in your waterproof bag..for those emergency situations..which WILL happen. The Standard handheld is high wattage and is about $170/w/charger. I have transmitted and received 20+miles with it. You can research them on the Net at WestMarine.com, cabelas.com, byownerelectronics.com, and also brokenlegdave.com..all have good prices. I bought my Icom 302 for $145.00. The best VHF antennas, bar none, are the Digital brand. Not cheap at $100-$200 but are worth it when you need it. Shakespeare make cheap models that are good for short range work.<BR>If you're running a loud engine get an amplifier for the mounted set. Good luck out there...and try not to say..'breaker, breaker, good buddy,' These are VHF marine band radios and warrant maritime nomenclature and standard international customs. Please take the time to read the proper hailing procedures. Might not be too important on Lake of the Woods, but it will save your life on the ocean with an SOS or sending a distress call to the Coast Guard.

[Old Guide]

Braxt, Look back a few months. Kaz had some good recommendations on marine band radios.<P>------------------<BR><B>Old Guide Charters</B><BR>Lake of the Woods<BR><A HREF="http://fishingmn.com/oldguidecharters/" TARGET=_blank>http://fishingminnesota.com/oldguidecharters/</A><BR>Call Toll Free:1-800-952-(9484)

[Kaz]

Braxt: Shoot me a Email and I can help you on an selection and installation... [email protected] I've probably installed a couple of dozen in boats before. I also have the test equipment to insure it's working properly. I see your from Eau Claire, and it may be worth your while to run over to Minneapolis sometime.... Kaz