Fit a fixed VHF?

[William_H]

I have found that when things go bad I want to stand by the tiller on my little boat. Not leave it to go to the radio inside. I tend to carry hh as well as fixed VHF. (not DSC) However I also go for an antenna on the push pit on a post which works well. I have often considered moving the fixed VHF to the outside locker for access while at the tiller. lots of options olewill

 

[maby]

Of course the extension of the argument that range isn't critical because I have the PLB would be that DSC therefore is also not critical - and I should just use the handheld icom I already have. Though I guess the flip side of this is the DSC hand held would alert anyone close enough to help me.

....

I'm not sure that anyone has suggested a PLB as an alternative to a good VHF! PLBs are very much the last resort and the response time is usually quite slow.

 

[NUTMEG]

You're right, the handheld with a masthead antenna would be the worst of all worlds. That antenna is actually quite a lot of work and cash.... and I've found the cables tend to need replacement every few years so create a maintenance overhead.

Really? You must have been very unlucky or purchased some very fishy cable. Rhoda Rose's co-ax is original (20years old) and vhf (new SH) works very well.

 

[Momac]

I have a simple handheld that odes not have GPS and does not have DSC.
The battery life is excellent . It needs to be charged once or twice a year despite regular use over the warmer months.
The range is okay but no good out at sea.
The current model is this
http://www.gaelforcemarine.co.uk/en/Icom-M25-Handheld-VHF-Radio/m-1526.aspx

However I feel a fixed radio would be first in line.

 

[yachtorion]

Ok thanks All. Devil's advocate aside.... The reduced system complexity of the handheld does appeal - much like an outboard motor can appeal over an inboard.

But in this case I'd feel more comfortable with the fixed set and I'd quite like the masthead antenna for FM reception anyway. So I think I might fit an icom blackbox fixed set. Makes the installation easy and I can put the command mic in the cockpit.

 

[PabloPicasso]

Ok thanks All. Devil's advocate aside.... The reduced system complexity of the handheld does appeal - much like an outboard motor can appeal over an inboard.

But in this case I'd feel more comfortable with the fixed set and I'd quite like the masthead antenna for FM reception anyway. So I think I might fit an icom blackbox fixed set. Makes the installation easy and I can put the command mic in the cockpit.

Yes I think I'd do the same In your position. A simple cheap solar panel, even a 20w one, would likely keep it all charged up over a season depending on usage level, obviously.

 

[ghostlymoron]

My local coastguard is Holyhead who have an aerial on ​a hill on Llynn Peninsular this gives them a huge range over the south of their area. Much greater than 12 miles. I imagine most CGs take advantage of natural features in this way and I believe their equipment is much more powerful than boat based. I can still hear them most of the way to Ireland. We can often hear the Irish CG close to the Welsh coast so I wouldn't worry about communicating with CG. Ship to ship is usually not more than 10nm in my experience.

 

[Max Campbell]

Interesting thread. I thought I'd buy a HH VHF and a HH satnav/chartplotter for my first trailer-sailer. I ended up fitting a fixed DSC radio, with mast antenna, etc, because it was the most significant thing I could do about safety, but then that required a lead-acid battery to power it, so I may as well get a fixed chart plotter, then there's the possibility of a tiller pilot...

Slippery slope, but I still like having a fixed set, I think you did the right thing.

 

[ShinyShoe]

Handheld option - Standard Horixon HX870E - £215

Good to see the price is dropping.

Fixed:
VHF: Standard Horizon GX1300E - £120
GPS: Unbranded Ebay Special NMEA GPS - £90
Antenna: Banton eBay SS Whip - £37
Cable: 10m RG58 w/ PL259 ends - £10
Deck Gland: vTronix Deck Gland (Split Seal) - £36

Total: £293

If you are going to spend £90 on a GPS, go for the GX1700 - inbuilt GPS and available for £190 on sale.
You could pick up a DSC for £100 for the last 10 years in a sale easy enough. I'd be hanging out for a bargain. (Marine Scene on eBay listing one for £104 inc post)
GPS - definitely don't shell out £90! I'd pop a GPS Mouse on if I could find a 12V one even better, but failing that something like this (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Polstar-Se...TF8&qid=1494635153&sr=1-19&keywords=gps+mouse) with a USB circuit to drop the vols to 5V for power.
If that doesn't suit you - a handheld GPS unit with a 12V charging lead and data lead would be a good solution, as gives you a battery powered GPS if other kit fails.
You are over specifying your deck gland ;-)

 

[john_morris_uk]

There will be power onboard (and a sounder), but once I fit a fixed VHF I have to:

• Install/maintain antenna.
• Install/maintain mast cable and connector.
• Install/maintain deck gland/connector.
• Install/route/maintain vhf cable internally.
• Mount radio.
• Install/route/maintain power cables and feed.

All of this I've done before and can do again. It does end up being a lot more complicated and therefore prone to failure. Probably no cheaper than the handheld, even a high end one. In return I do get extra range - but perhaps as little as 3 miles.

I think talking it through is convincing me that the handheld is the way to go!

I have found that when things go bad I want to stand by the tiller on my little boat. Not leave it to go to the radio inside. I tend to carry hh as well as fixed VHF. (not DSC) However I also go for an antenna on the push pit on a post which works well. I have often considered moving the fixed VHF to the outside locker for access while at the tiller. lots of options olewill

Fixed VHF with a command mic near the helm?

Really? You must have been very unlucky or purchased some very fishy cable. Rhoda Rose's co-ax is original (20years old) and vhf (new SH) works very well.

Agreed. I fitted our vhf antenna 14 years ago and it still works perfectly. Just make sure you seal the connections properly. Mine were greased and then self amalgamating tape over the top.

Agree with whoever said the deck gland is over specified. Index Marine deck glands are £15 approx. We've used them for years and never had a leak.

Not sure I'd go for the bottom of the market budget VHF antenna if I was fitting one to the top if the mast. ASAP do antennas including cabling for £55 approx.