VHF Marine Radio Fixed Mount or Handheld?

[Fur Fish and Feathers]

I fish Lake Superior a fair amount and have been thinking I should pick up a marine radio for good measure. I'm curious of opinions on fixed mount vs handheld units. I've been contemplating a 36" stainless antenna if I were to get a fixed mount unit but wonder if the range would be any better than with a handheld?

[fivebucks]

VHF transmissions are "Line of Sight". If your antenna is higher than the bend of the earth and can be in a straight line to the other antenna, then it will work. I believe you can generally get around 25 miles with your standard 4-8' antenna. A handheld will be less than that unless you are standing up on a chair

[luckydave]

I'd recommend an 8' antenna. This is most common on big waters and you want your signal to be sent as far as possible if you have an emergency. A little extra money can save your life. In most cases an 8' antenna is not hard to store in the down position.

[Ufatz]

Higher the antenna the better...working within reason of course. Depends a lot on the size of your boat but you should be able to get a lay-down 8' aboard. And make sure of ground system.

If you are serious about marine VHF take the time to have an marine tech install and check out your system.

Your radio system can literally save your life so do it right.

[NAMASafetyDirector]

Absolutly a firm believer in having a Marine band on board. Personally on LOW I run a good reputable brand unit and a minimum of an 8ft antenna. Find yourself having trouble in an area with questionable cell service etc. and it literally can save your life or maybe someone elses in the event you find yourself rendering aid. It's also a good idea to have a small list laminated and put somewhere quickly accessable on your boat of some of the larger resorts or outfitters on the lakes you run and the channels they typically use in case of an emergecy only. They are more than happy (and required by law) to render aid if needed. Maybe never need it but the $300 or so involved in a good quality setup will pay for itself in a matter of seconds if you ever do. Most important is to be responsible, use good manners and etiquette on the radio. I think everyone has heard "that guy" on the air waves before....

[Raider4ever]

...I think everyone has heard "that guy" on the air waves before....

My favorite is when "That Guy" starts cursing because no one will give him a freaking 17-satellite locked GPS coordinate to where they are fishing. AND he's doing this from the comfort of his living room because he's too freaking lazy to put his boat in and fish. Yeah..."That Guy" gets the AMC (Airhorn Mic Check).