SSB

[DiverTitch]

I am in the states buying a yacht and doing it on a normal liveabaord budget ...bugger all. The pawn shops are full of used ssb ham sets Any one know a good land based SSB set I could look at to provide HF comms on a boat?

 

[Capn Pugwash]

The ICOM IC-725 is a very popular and high performing unit in the US. Should be able to pick one up for circa $300-400. You will also need an Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU). However, land based ham units are technically illegal on boats unless you actually have a ham radio licence.
Having said that, we bought our boat in the US and it came with a IC-725!

Good luck.

P.S. I still have a soft copy of the IC-725 manual if you would like a look. PM me with your email address if you do.

 

[jerryat]

We've had the Icom 706 MkII aboard for years, including various trips to the Med/Caribbean and it's been fabulous, communicating with Herb, for example, right across the Atlantic.

We have a small boat, so being able to have the removable front fitted at the chart table with the 'business end' tucked away out of sight, is a real boon. The whole thing is not much larger than a standard car radio, so even with the front panel fitted, it's unobtrusive.... and totally reliable.

Highly recommended. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[JonJon]

Anybody know the difference between a 706 Mk1 and the Mk II? Is it minor stuff ?

 

[tri39]

I think it's possible the Mk11 has UHF as well, which you don't need for HF.

 

[sr04]

A few reasons the main one being that the MK1 was deaf on VHF, and this was much improved on the MK2.
The mk2 only has UHF if its a mk2G