Raytheon 45 VHF Radio

[Shadman]

I have a chance to pick up a Ratheon 45 VHF radio at what I think is a pretty good price ($250 for radio, base and antennae).

Has anyone had any experience with this model? Are they reliable? Good / bad?

Appreciate any feedback.

Thanks

[I Fish]

It one of the best on the market. They are waterproof.
But Cabela's has the 45 for $145 & $20 for 36" antenna.
I got a higher up one a few years ago for around $215 but it came with a free 8' antanna and mount, in the long run it was cheaper than the 45.

[SeaCat]

I think you could pretty much get a new Ray 45 with antenna and mount for just about the same money and get a full warranty.

BoatUS has the radio for $150 right now. They also have a real good Shakespheare antenna (model 5102) for $80 and a stainless ratchet mount is $33. This totals out at $266. A good antenna (Shakespheare 5101) is only $50.

Ryan

[Terry/JNR]

You'll find the Ray 45 to be an exellent unit. Compact and water proof.

[cisco]

I'm no longer every day on Lake Michigan, so I have a smaller, mostly inland lake boat. But I do fish big water (inc. Mich) every year, so did need a radio. I bought the Raytheon package from Cabela that I Fish mentioned. I was doubtful about the 3 ft steel whip antenna, but don't have rooom for an 8 ft Shakespeare glass. Not to worry -- On Lake Michigan two weeks ago I was able to transmit and receive over a wide area. To my surprise, I could receive a buddy fishing out of a port city 5 miles to my north -- He could copy me, I could copy him. I'm impressed with my Raytheon.

I got great service, incidentally, from my Impulse Radio with 8 ft glass antenna. But, as I said, no place to mount an 8 ft on my present vessel. Good luck to you.

[Captain Dan Kelly]

i only have a short message for you get the most expensive radio you can afford it may save your life some day i run an icom 527 with a shakespeare beam antenna on lake erie the radio was around 450 and the antenna was about 250 ihope this helps. Captain Dan Kelly