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| Handheld VHF https://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=9611 |
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| Author: | Swansea [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 7:58 am ] |
| Post subject: | Handheld VHF |
Heading out soon for our trip to NYC, up the Hudson then through the Erie Canal. I've never had a VHF radio, given that most places we've boated have cell service and I can use my BB to call ahead. I've been reading about some of the activity in NY Harbour and the Hudson where several competing local authorities have been stopping and boarding (ie harassing) just about anything that moves - so I figured I better get a VHF so that Homeland Security doesn't have an excuse to write me up. Does anyone have any recommendations on a decent but not hugely expensive handheld unit? |
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| Author: | Cap'n Morgan [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 8:27 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Handheld VHF |
These two are great little radios, for the budget minded boater... http://www.amazon.com/Uniden-Atlantis-1 ... B000E99WOC http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product ... ew&i=90722 I have a 10 year old Uniden that still works like it was new. |
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| Author: | EvilZ [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 8:34 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Handheld VHF |
I have an ICOM unit. Never used it, but good peace of mind. |
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| Author: | ric [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 8:38 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Handheld VHF |
Vessels under 65ft are not required to have a VHF radio, but if you're traveling those kind of waters I would just install one. If you want a handheld the Icom M92D is pretty much the thing to own. Quite expensive though. If you don't travel miles offshore you can install a normal VHF on the boat with a small antenna that would be nearly invisible. http://www.shakespeare-marine.com/anten ... tenna=5912 |
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| Author: | Paul I. [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 12:41 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Handheld VHF |
Most handhelds a very limited in power (5 watts) and range. I would install a fixed mount (25 watts) one with a 4' antenna. The price difference is small for what you will gain. All Fixed mounts now have DCS and with your GPS. You can send out a distress in 5 secs. or less with your position, type of distress and your boat (names, phone#, Reg#, color of boat...) will be on file. So they will know what to look for. Never depend on a cell. Boaters in the area can not hear your distress call from a cell. When out, most boater monitor 16 and will hear you to lend assistance. They will be your first resonders! |
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| Author: | Cap'n Morgan [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 12:51 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Handheld VHF |
Paul I. wrote: Most handhelds a very limited in power (5 watts) and range. My 5 watt handheld was received 85 miles away in Milwaukee, across Lake Michigan. For the OP's use on where he boats, a fixed mount would be overkill, and an eyesore on his boat. For Ocean boating, a fixed mount with all the bells and whistles is recommended. In the OP's case, , unnecessary. Buy the handheld of your choice , it will do everything you need. Trust me. |
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| Author: | Paul I. [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 1:39 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Handheld VHF |
Cap'n Morgan wrote: Paul I. wrote: Most handhelds a very limited in power (5 watts) and range. My 5 watt handheld was received 85 miles away in Milwaukee, across Lake Michigan. You were TXing over a body of water with limited interference from buildings, land, airport, police, taxis and the normal RF that a big city will have. VHF is line of sight, 85m over water, sure. In a busy harbor, I don't see it. I carry a handheld and I am lucky to get out over 5 miles in Boston Harbor with it. I would think NY would be more of a challenge. Never mind the heavy marine VHF traffic in that harbor. Here is a link to BoatUS on this, it would help anyone on which is right for you. http://www.boatus.com/husick/c_hheld.asp |
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| Author: | Cap'n Morgan [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 2:05 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Handheld VHF |
Handheld in NY harbor will be fine. Plus, if you lose power on your boat, the fixed mount is worthless. http://www.panbo.com/archives/2008/12/s ... _look.html |
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| Author: | gregs [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 2:08 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Handheld VHF |
Just curious, what are are the guvernmint regs on VHF use in the US? Do you need a license? Does anyone bother? In Canada we have to have a restricted operators card to use a VHF legally. Greg |
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| Author: | ric [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 2:10 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Handheld VHF |
If your boat is under 65 feet, no licence required. It's not required to have one under 65 feet either. Make sure to get a Class D DSC handheld. |
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| Author: | Paul I. [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 2:51 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Handheld VHF |
gregs wrote: Just curious, what are are the guvernmint regs on VHF use in the US? Do you need a license? Does anyone bother? In Canada we have to have a restricted operators card to use a VHF legally. Greg No license needed. Your boat Reg is your call sign. You can use your boats name too and most of us do. A lot easier than calling out your numbers. For loss of power, thats were a dual battery set up becomes helpful. You can lose power on a handheld too. Be careful on charging them, some handhelds do not recommend them being seating on the charger for any stretch of time. |
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| Author: | Paul I. [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 3:10 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Handheld VHF |
ric wrote: Make sure to get a Class D DSC handheld. You will also need the MMSI numbers to use DSC. |
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| Author: | ric [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 3:30 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Handheld VHF |
Paul I. wrote: ric wrote: Make sure to get a Class D DSC handheld. You will also need the MMSI numbers to use DSC. free. https://www.boatus.com/mmsi/default.asp |
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| Author: | Paul I. [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 3:38 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Handheld VHF |
ric wrote: Paul I. wrote: ric wrote: Make sure to get a Class D DSC handheld. You will also need the MMSI numbers to use DSC. free. https://www.boatus.com/mmsi/default.asp I just thought of this, for a handheld to use DCS. It will need to be in its holder/cradle in order for it to get updated positions. Not a big deal, it just needs to be mounted in a handy spot. So it will need to be wied for power & data. |
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| Author: | LouC [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 3:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Handheld VHF |
Honestly it's smart to have both, for one thing the antenna for a fixed mount will transmit much farther and for another having the portable as a back up is just plain smart if the boat batteries die, you can still call for help. You are boating in an area with lots of busy traffic and swift currents, as well as ocean tides. That is a very small boat for that boating area. Where I am every boat has a fixed mount, even the smallest ones and I have 2 one for a spare that I can hook up in case the main one dies. We also have a portable for the 2 dinghys since we have a motor for them now. |
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