vhf radio

[B Shark]

I'm thinking of buying a handheld vhf radio. Any suggestions as to brands and models?

[keakar]

I have a flatboat so there was no real room to put in a regular radio and antenna so I though these were just what I needed.
you will need to "modify" a pivoting cup holder to use for a caddy to keep it in so it protected and doesn't get beat up.

I had bought two different medium high end version hand held vhf radios over a couple of years and found no matter what they say to sell it your only going to have the range you can visually see unobstructed view.

its just not enough antenna in them to give you anything close to what a regular radio and antenna will get you to talk beyond land objects between you and other areas.

plus don't buy a recharging battery type, get one with batteries you can replace because rechargeable batteries are not good and don't last more then a year and cost as fortune to replace.
that said it will always have good reception on the weather channels and channel 16 for coast guard so if you want it for safety they are fine but try to get one that can plug into the boats battery if needed. if you want it to talk with the guys on the water for making a move to better areas, then its not that great unless you are in the same area within a few miles (2-3)

just my personal experience with them.

[wishin i was fishin]

yep, mobile radios have 25 watts of RF power
Handhelds have 5 watts of RF power.

If you are looking for something to have in an emergency handheld will do, but you will have reduced range.

if you are wanting to talk to your buddy on the other side of the bay and see how how is doing, you may be better off with a mobile unit installed.

I installed mine in the the storage box on my console and antenna on the rail. Doesn't take up that much space. Can send a pic if needed.

[B Shark]

Thanks guys, I'm going to think about it and maybe get a full sized unit.

[meaux fishing]

Its good to have a handheld for backup, even if you have a built in unit

[wishin i was fishin]

Here is how i have mine mounted. Ignore the bird $h1t, been taking care of some odds and ends so it has been uncovered.

[latravcha]

Originally Posted by wishin i was fishin

Here is how i have mine mounted. Ignore the bird $h1t, been taking care of some odds and ends so it has been uncovered.

I like the way you have yours mounted. Mine is in the glove box. since it is raining I think i will cut out the back ot the glove box like you did.

[wishin i was fishin]

Thanks man, I also added a VHF/FM antenna separator to it as well. that way both share the same antenna.

http://www.thegpsstore.com/Shakespea...Fak7MgodF0YAog