View Full Version : Marine Radios
I was wondering what type of marine radio I can buy that is relatively inexpensive but yet does an adequate job. Does anyone have any suggestions on radios that they have had either bad or good experiences with?
Brian_MN
11-13-2002, 01:10 PM
I've had Raytheon RAY45's on my last three boats and all of them have been great. I don't need a lot of bells and whistles on a radio, it just needs to be dependable. My Raytheon is one thing on the boat that I never worry about not working when I need it.
ps - this is an unbiased opinion, I am not supported in any way by Raytheon.
Brian Gilbertson
#312
Jap: Most of the radios are comparable in features, but make sure the one you select has a programable scan. You will want to scan the channels that are busy in the area you are fishing. Charters or resorts use different channels and you will want to hear what they are saying about whats going on. Also the antenna is very important for both transmiting and receiving. Determine where you will put it on the boat and out of the way and also the distances you wnat to cover. All radios put out 25 watts but the antenna will make the difference...Kaz
Sparky
11-13-2002, 05:00 PM
You're right about the antenna. I have a Galaxy now and it was a huge improvement over the original one. I have it mounted on my radar arch and I'm trying to figure out how to get it higher. i may move the base to the gunnels, add an extension, and get it up abouve the arch. Nothing like a winter project!
eyespy
11-14-2002, 07:22 PM
As an owner of a 16' Fishhawk, I'm not real kind on having to put an eight foot whip on a 4 inch wide gunnel. Is there a three footer that
telescopes out to eight foot? Something like a radio antenna, but much larger.
Living for separation from boat & trailer.
'eye spy
dc/co
11-15-2002, 08:42 AM
Jap
I also have the Raytheon model 45 and it works well for me also. I have had it on my last 2 boats and have use the Shakespeare 36 inch stainless whip, it is model 5240 low profile. You might want to check this out. Price thru Cabelas is $62.99.
Sparky
11-15-2002, 09:57 AM
the choice of an antenna has to do with what lakes you fish, how far out you go, what time of year, and what kind of boat you have. The bottom line is what kind of range do you want. Since I might find myself out in November with little boat traffic and 25 miles out on Lake Michigan, I'll take the most range that I can get.
I have an 8' antenna on a 16 foot boat, and it's really not a problem. It looks a little weird when it's up, but if it's placed correctly, it shouldn't cause you any problems. Mine is mounted on the starboard side, just far enough forward that when it folds back it goes almost to the stern. Being that I have a tiller boat and usually fish from the port side, this works great. It's actually more in the way when it's up than when it's down.
Eyez
Eyespy: "E" me a ddkaitz@msn.com with your phone number and I can explain a 46" antenna and for whom I have installed them. You can ask them how well they work. There IS A BETTER WAY....Kaz
Bulldawg
11-16-2002, 05:43 PM
Kaz has the right way to go with the 46" whip he's the "MAN". His set up works great and is on my boat.
Bulldawg