Marine VHF Radio ... Help Please!!!!!!!!

[Wallie]

I know nothing about marine radios .. other than I need one emergency situations on the big waters I fish.

I am looking for the simple, easy to use "Chevy" of radios.

Saw something called an ICOM 59, ICOM 127 and Icom-M45.

Has anyone any experience with these.

Can anyone tell me what is the "Simplest" yet best radio. Not looking for bells and whistles.

Thanks

[jeff reed]

Raytheon 45 is what you need. Its small, coast guard 46 approved for waterproof standards and has a 3 year warranty for waterproofness plus is only 149.99 in cabelas or gander mountain. Make sure you get a quality antenna such as the Shakesspear Galaxy 5225 series. These antennas cost more $99.00 but give you more range than the 29.99 models that are nothing more that a fiberglass tube with a wire up the middle.

[SeaCat]

Wallie,______

You're right that if you fish big water, you should have a VHF marine radio for safety. You might be supprised how useful you will find it once you have one in helping to catch fish._____

I really don't know many other boaters in the areas I fish since I spend a lot of time trailering to other ports around the great lakes. One of the first things I do when I get on the water is set the radio on scan to pick up the local chatter. Often it gives me info on not only what is happening that day but also what happened the day before. Sometimes it really eliminates a lot of hunting in dead water.______

Another feature that is nice is something called memory scan. Rather than scanning all of the channels, you can specify a few to monitor -- this lets you monitor the fishing channels and ignore the sailboats, etc._______

Many relatively "low" end radios have these features. While you might not use them day one, once you have tried them, you'll wonder how you lived without them.________

As for brands -- Icom, Uniden, Raytheon, and Standard are all quality units with basic units starting at about $150._______

As for features I would look for: waterproof, good warranty (2 year min), scan (full & memory), channel 16 button, front mounted speaker or external speaker out, LCD display, on microphone controls, hailer/PA. Should be able to get this in a variety of brands/models for less than $200._______

Personally I have used Uniden's model 795 for the last 5 years. It is no longer made, but its replacement is the Uniden 1020 -- Boat US has them for $160. The Standard Horizon Eclipse also has these features and is about $170. Icom's IC-M45 goes for about $190 but adds flat fee lifetime repairs.__________

The other half of the radio is the antenna -- go with a minimum of the 8' Shakespeare Galaxy Centennial 5101 ($50) or 5102 ($80). As an earlier answer said, these are much better than the $30 units and will significantly improve your range of reception and transmission. Also, go for the metal base mount -- not the nylon -- much more durable.________

Also might want to check eBay (VHF marine are good search terms) to get a good deal._______

Sorry so long winded, but once I get started... Email if I can answer any other questions._______

Ryan

[shadman]

I would rec

[time to move]

When i read your post i felt like responding but Seacat did such a good job i'll just shutup but add i own 3 Standard Eclipses and i luv 'em. Almost all brands are good nowadays. ICOM is a premium radio. Get the SOLID SS mount 'cuz if you get the die cast zinc one i guarantee it will eventually break.

Over and Out!