Replacement VHF

[sailoppopotamus]

I'm looking to replace my Silva S10.

I'm currently between Standard Horizon's GX1400GPS/E and Icom's M330GE. The SH is significantly cheaper (290E vs 380E, for the Icom including the flush mount kits). On the face of it, the SH is more appealing as it is much cheaper. However, it supports only GPS, whereas the Icom supports GPS, GALILEO and GLONASS and SBAS, which probably means that it's more accurate and less likely to not be able to get a fix. Furthermore, Icom's claim to have active noise cancelling leads me to believe that perhaps reception might be better. Would I be foolish to spend 90E more just on this reasoning?

A final, perhaps naive question: The Icom comes with an external patch antenna, whereas the SH has an integrated antenna. Is it necessary to install the patch antenna for the GPS to operate, or is there an integrated antenna inside the Icom? I'm mounting the unit on a bulkhead over my chart table (fiberglass boat) so would prefer as little clutter as possible (for what it's worth my phone gets a GPS fix just fine over there).

 

[Kwik Decision]

I have a Standard Horizon GX2200E (which I think is the same as the GX1400E, but with the addition of AIS receiver). Coupled to a good aerial, it has been excellent, quick to pick up GPS position etc when switched on, and very clear reception. I would happily buy another. I regularly sail on another boat with an Icom VHF, and it is no better than the SH.
Note that in the UK, the GX1400 sells for around £170, and so 290 euro sounds steep, but I guess that depends on where you are based...

 

[MoodySabre]

Ditto GX2200E. Excellent kit.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I'm looking to replace my Silva S10.

I'm currently between Standard Horizon's GX1400GPS/E and Icom's M330GE. The SH is significantly cheaper (290E vs 380E, for the Icom including the flush mount kits). On the face of it, the SH is more appealing as it is much cheaper. However, it supports only GPS, whereas the Icom supports GPS, GALILEO and GLONASS and SBAS, which probably means that it's more accurate and less likely to not be able to get a fix. Furthermore, Icom's claim to have active noise cancelling leads me to believe that perhaps reception might be better. Would I be foolish to spend 90E more just on this reasoning?

A final, perhaps naive question: The Icom comes with an external patch antenna, whereas the SH has an integrated antenna. Is it necessary to install the patch antenna for the GPS to operate, or is there an integrated antenna inside the Icom? I'm mounting the unit on a bulkhead over my chart table (fiberglass boat) so would prefer as little clutter as possible (for what it's worth my phone gets a GPS fix just fine over there).

The Icom will need the GPS to be fitted. It can usually be stuck to the top of the main VHF in a GRP boat.

But, i'd go for the SH. Good radio, good price and service/support equal to Icom.