VHF Radios: Any advice?

[Dan97]

Howdy All...

It's upgrade time again. It's time to leave the hand-held radio in the camper for the landlocked folks and install a new in/underdash VHF radio in the boat. With all the brands out there, which do you recommend? What features do you use most? What features do you want or need but don't have? Any suggestions for antennas?

Thanks......Dan

[Guest]

The most popular radio that we sell is the Raytheon line. Uniden is second. Options vary with each customer, some like weather alert, and others have to have scan to follow the launch boats. With any VHF make sure your antenna is a 6db gain. The cheap 3' antennas are 3db and will not get you any more distance that a handheld. Be sure to solder the end on the cable.

Rob

[Dan97]

Thanks for the reply, Rob.

As a matter of fact the Raytheon units are what I have decided on. Now it's down to a choice between the Ray 45 and the 53. Since both have the NOAA alert, I'm sort of leaning towards the 53 just for the extra gizmos. So I guess it all boils down to the antenna and mount. It seems as if Shakespeare is the way to go here. I've been looking at an 8' (6db) Galaxy model with an HD stainless mount. My choices are not set in stone. So if you ccan suggest anything "better", please feel free. I need all the help I can get.

Thanks again......Dan

[Guest]

Sounds like a good set up.

Rob