New VHF

[richardabeattie]

I need to replace my ancient Sailor VHF. What's the best basic no frills VHF to go for?

 

[Momac]

 

[prv]

Alternatively Standard Horizon GX1400GPS/E DSC VHF (GX1400GPS/E)

Icom and Standard Horizon are both good makes, with little to choose between them but personal preference.

Cobra tend to give more features for the money, but don’t have the same reputation for quality. The big plotter brands I suspect are putting third-party radio boards in cases that aesthetically match their other products, and then charging accordingly.

Pete

 

[MonniotC]

I've never had any ICOM or Cobra kit, but I've had a fixed DSC and a handheld Standard Horizon for about 12 years now, and very happy.

 

[vic008]

Dont buy a Lowrance! Hate it with a passion! Always wanting a MMS? number entered. Or your position entered.

 

[Jamie Dundee]

Standard Horizon GX1400GPS E VHF with Internal GPS | Force 4 Chandlery

 

[Baggywrinkle]

Had a Standard Horizon GX2100E for a decade now, still very happy and no issues.

 

[jwilson]

As others have said, Icom or SH are good makes, though I had a Simrad for 12 years and now have a B&G which is a rebadged Simrad. I only changed to get built-in AIS receive and GPS. Definitely get one with a built in GPS, not that much more expensive now than without. Pay a bit more and you also get AIS reception, though that really needs to be interfaced with a plotter. The little target ring screen on the radio is pretty useless as a AIS viewing screen. Once you've got the interface going you can set the MMSI of an AIS target to call on VHF from the plotter screen.

 

[harvey38]

+1 for Standard Horizon, I've just installed a base set and remote handset. Very well made, simple layout so easy to use with a good, clear reception.

 

[Norman_E]

For a sailing yacht I recommend buying a VHF with provision to add a cockpit command mike so that you can use the radio without having to go below. I had a Standard Horizon GX1500 with a command mike and would not want a radio that I always had to go below to use.

 

[fredrussell]

I wonder if a handheld might be more use than a command mic, and perhaps cheaper.

 

[colind3782]

I wonder if a handheld might be more use than a command mic, and perhaps cheaper.

Less range though

 

[Daverw]

Having had command mike for the last 4 years would never fit a VHF without one, the remote speaker far clearer than or hand held and being able to have different volumes at each gets brownie points from the admiral

 

[Graham376]

Fitted a Cobra with integral GPS a couple of years ago. No command mike but can reach & operate it from cockpit. Cobra MRF77 Marine VHF Radio - Dyfed Electronics

 

[Deleted member 36384]

I fitted the Standard Horizon a few months ago as per post 3 and 6. Very easily to fit and connect up. Operating Manual is simple to follow. I also bought the Command Mike to go with it, which I use far more frequently than the fixed station. Cobra sell a very basic and low cost DSC VHF, see Cactus Marine web page.

 

[LadyInBed]

What's the best basic no frills VHF to go for

Not best, but basic and cheap Cobra F57 Fixed VHF Marine Radio (MR-F57EU)

 

[Refueler]

Fitted a Cobra with integral GPS a couple of years ago. No command mike but can reach & operate it from cockpit. Cobra MRF77 Marine VHF Radio - Dyfed Electronics

Just replaced my Cobra MR55 with the 77 .................. very happy with it and the GPS is fine inside cabin .... no need to connect any external.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Cobra VHF sets are garbage.

As already stated, Icom and Standard Horizon are both quality brands with top quality UK support.

Garmin and Raymarine also make quality VHFs, but the OP asked for "basic, no frills", so i assume these would be over budget.

Edit: with the Standard Horizon GX1400 only costing £169 (less than the Cobra) it looks just the job for a "no frills" set. Standard Horizon GX1400GPS/E Fixed Mount VHF GPS Radio - Marine Scene

The GX1800 costs a little more, but it supports the RAM mic mentioned previously, which is a good idea, IMO. Standard Horizon GX1800GPS/E VHF with GPS

 

[Minerva]

Cobra VHF sets are garbage.

My fixed cobra has been operating perfectly for >10 years. When I call someone they can hear me, when they call me I can hear them. Does what it claims to do and everything I need it to do.

Granted it does not have a command mic, which could be useful, but the time when it would be the most useful is when entering a marina to book a berth but use my (Cobra) HH VHF for that. The handheld one has been problem free too, although that one is only 5 years old.

 

[Graham376]

Cobra VHF sets are garbage.

Maybe in your opinion but my previous one lasted 10+ years until UV finally killed the mic lead. This is my second Cobra and so far no problems.