Marine Radio - Hand held or perminent?

[Carpenter]

I'm looking to get a marine radio for a Canada trip in June. I'd rather not put a large whip on my boat if possible, so i was thinking hand held might be the best bet. Thoughts or suggestions on what to look for or a good model to buy?

Thanks,

[BobT]

Hand-held won't have near the range of the base unit with the whip. From what I've read, probably about half the range or less, especially if there are a lot of obstructions like islands or buildings. This is because of both transmittal power and antennae.

[krats]

Carpenter,

I went through the same dilema last year for our June Canada trip.

We went with a closeout Lowrance permenant unit and a 4' shakespear "little giant" antenna.

We bought bought them at the Muskie show last spring and I think spent about $150 for the set up. It was a great deal.

I have a 16' Lund tiller and have gotten used to having the antenna on top of the gunnel.

We used hand held units for several years before wising up. The handhelds just don't have the range. I think the setup we have now is like 15-20 miles and it does not seem to matter if there is land features between us. You can hear chatter from resorts that have base towers talking with their guide boats. With the hand held units we could see each other a few miles across the lake and the radios would not work.

It was money well spent.

[Carpenter]

thanks for the help. now to keep my eyes peeled for a good deal. and a shorter whip that might not be too obtrusive.

[wplatehunter]

We were fishing last spring with four boats. Everyone had a marine radio. Three of us could talk no matter where we were on the lake with perminent mounts, but the guy with the hand held could only hear about half of what we were saying. I think mine is 6' or 8'. The only time it kinda gets in the way is trolling when you set the hook.