Fixed VHF

[chubby]

I am in the market for a new fixed VHF and there dont seem to be any recent reviews. I have a SH300i plotter and separate furuno GPS and also AIS so dont need AIS built into the VHF as well. Always thought ICOM was a good brand, SH would match my plotter. Raymarine gear generally good but do they have the same background in VHF?

Shortlist:

ICOM M411, SH 1500E or 1600E are all £139 from the marine superstore, ICOM 505E and Raymarine 49E or 55E area bit more.

willing to pay more than entry level for genuine quality but not for gizmos already duplicated in my plotter/AIS setup.

Any comments welcome

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Take a look at www.jgtech.com

Nearly always the cheapest.

Personally, I think the SH radios take some beating for quality.... part of Yaesu, who are a world leader in radios.

 

[prv]

I reckon matching radio and plotter is a good bet if you want maximum DSC integration between them. And as Pheonix says, Standard Horizon is Yaesu, which is a good name in radio.

Pete

 

[Puggy]

I would agree about matching the VHF and plotter for optimal DSC calling when using AIS.. I also agree SH are superb, but I have an Icom 505 in the rag and stick, and a 411 in the RIB, as well as a couple of little handhelds and I reckon Icom kit is top quality, and ICOM UK's service and support is top notch.