Recommend a budget Fixed VHF

[Dino]

Hi,
I'm looking to fit a fixed VHF on my mobo. The boat is mainly used inland but I am planning a coastal trip this year. I have a handheld radio but want to install a fixed VHF. I was looking at the basic Cobra and Standard Horizon units for around €150. Are these okay or should I be looking to go for something with a higher spec?
I will need to upgrade my radio licence to cover DSC but I guess I should buy a unit that has this feature.

D

 

[Momac]

I like icom as a brand – simple and robust.

 

[snowbird30ds]

Icom or standard horizon is the way to go as they have both had an excellent reputation for radio comms stuff for years, avoid navman (also branded as north star or similar) as the one I had was nothing but trouble and I never had any confidence in it, the navman 9100 I had seems to show identical to a northstar explorer 721 so rebranded junk.

 

[CLB]

Standard Horizon every time. As good, or better, than Icom for less money.

 

[dpb]

I have had several Cobra's, and one Icom.
The Cobra's all did what they were supposed to.
The Icom stopped working after 3 or 4 years.
Dosn't prove anything but that was my experience.

 

[mlines]

You will get fans of either Icom or Standard Horizon on here

I am a Standard Horizon fan, great kit and great support

 

[prv]

Icom or Standard Horizon both good quality, I personally prefer Standard Horizon but that might just be familiarity.

Cobra are competent radios as well, if you're on a budget and find a good deal on one you would not be making a mistake to pick it. They tend to include more accessories that are extra-cost options on other brands although I suppose that's more relevant to handhelds than fixed sets.

Pete

 

[Bigplumbs]

Standard horizon for me

Remember the dsc course is now 2 days

 

[derekbland]

Standard horizon for me

Remember the dsc course is now 2 days

I did mine in one day a couple of months ago although I had to read the book beforehand but then most of the courses I looked at were one day with pre-reading. The morning was running through what was in the book and answering questions and the latter end of the afternoon was practical's with the exam and practical test around 5pm. I can't understand how they could warrant 2-days unless there was no pre-study whatsoever.

 

[Sneds]

Plus 1 for SH and great customer support and after sales

 

[Sneds]

They also diagnosed a duff card in my CP for free

 

[Dino]

Went for a Cobra in the end. Lots of spec and fully submersible which is interesting for a fixed unit. Also comes with flush mounting kit. Have the old vhf license but I will be upgrading it soon as part of my lifeboat crew training.
Thanks for the advice

 

[snowbird30ds]

and fully submersible which is interesting for a fixed unit

May be a bit late for a vhf call when it's submersed.....