VHF Radio

[Johnnierat]

I've tried doing a search on the subject but can't find the information I'm looking for. I'm looking at adding a VHF mounted radio to my boat this year and I'm wondering what the pros/cons of a Raymarine 45 vs 53 and the pros/cons of a Uniden Solara vs Oceanus. Also, out of the four, which has the best features?

[Den]

All of the radios that you mentioned are good ones. a simple way of putting it, and not trying to come across as a smart a$$, get the best one that you can afford, the one that you like, and do try to get a waterproof model . i hope this helps a little. get the features that you like, you are the one that is going to be using it. as long as it satisfies you. like a lot of things, everybody has an opinion, but these are all good ones, so enjoy. good luck and good fishin.
Den

[Fish Hound]

Go to www.iboats.com/mall/index.cgi? That should answer all your questions and give you lots of options. I just bought a Shakespeare from them because of price and recommendation from the boat and motor forum. Also check out Reeds. I think it is www.reeds.com but not sure.
The Fish Hound

[Johnnierat]

Thanks for the info guys. I haven't used one before and I don't know what features to look for on a radio. What's good and what's not? I guess I'm kind of narrowed down to Raymarine or Uniden - unless someone pursuades me otherwise.

[PJM]

Johnnierat


I have owned several different radios and they all have performed well. My favorite radio is a Raytheon and the 45 and the 53 perform the same with the 53 having more features.. For the most part the 45 will work fine. I never use the scan feature and I will probably never hook up my GPS to the unit and those are the major differences.

[eek]

PJM is right on, I have the Ray 53, and have had a devil of a time getting the interface with the GPS to work. I really do wish I could figure it out because the DSC (digital ID for your boat) would be really a good idea to have in the event that the skipper becomes incapacitated. To sent an automatic Mayday including your DSC identity and a position fix, all you have to is push the red emergency button on the back of microphone.

As far as the scan stuff goes, I still keep my portable radio, and when I want to monitor multiple channels, I just turn both of them on.

eek

[tbomn]

www.reedssports.com