Silva S15 DSC VHF + Navtex

[Barry777]

Mailspeed are currently doing an offer on the Silva S15 + Navtex at £225, which seems a pretty good price to me. I've searched the "archives" for any previous threads on this radio, and any comments on its performance without success. So, I'm asking if anyone has any experience of using the radio, and the Navtex function. Good points, bad points etc.

Thanks

 

[shamrock]

I asked this question 2 years back and got a lot of response saying don't buy it - the thread seems to have fallen off the search range but if I recall correctly the responses were along the lines of:

- radio not the simplest in terms of menus / setup
- lots of reports of returns / warrenty issues
- one dealer saying he sells these and Icom in similar numbers and gets Silva returned for repair but never Icom.

so we bought a NASA navtex and Icom DSC, very satisfied with those.

May have changed since then, especially if Silva have sorted out reliability issues - and the price makes it very attractive compared to two seperate bits of kit.

Remember that a standalone navtex can be left always on and receiving so you have a current forecast when you get to the boat, you might not want to do that with the VHF.

 

[Chris_d]

I bought an S15 this year after assurances the reliability issues were fixed, all units were recalled apparently, Its worked well so far and now only £99 from Force 4. Can't really see the point of Navtex though unless you need regular updates of the weather in Holland /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[peteandthira]

I'm on my second S15 after the first one just packed in. The second one has been fine, although I don't use the navtex function any more since I bought an ICS Nav6 which is much more user friendly. The radio works well in all situations I have seen so far, including calling mates on DSC.

 

[bluedragon]

My 2005 bought model has been trouble-free. I nearly took it back though after reading all the problems in 2004!! I almost never use the Navtex, but it has at least given me the opportunity to find that out vs. paying for a dedicated Navtex unit.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

i bought one in 2004 complete with Navtex antenna and took it off in 2005 - its still in the loft.

no problem with the reliability or performance - just that the screen and functions were non user friendly for my fat fingers and inability to read without glasses.

my advice would be to spend a bit more, for a boat such as yours.

 

[Close hauled]

Had one for over a year and in use constantly (until t was fried by lightening)

We found it very good to use and at that price, I'd recommend it.