VHF - what to buy?

[Gunship]

ok, some of you will be aware that I've recently aquired a new tub (help identify this... ) and I'm in the process of sorting out all the work and accessories that I need.

Needless to say, she doesn't have a VHF at the moment, and having only used them when chartering in the Med I haven't got a clue what to go for.

Budget is not too high and I can't make up my mind to go handheld or fixed - ideally I'd like one that has the power of fixed but that I could remove easily and take home with me!

Is there a chandlery online which everyone uses for this stuff? Obviously there's always ebay but it looks like I've got quite a lot to get /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

any pointers would be appreciated

 

[ShipsWoofy]

Do you have a top price.

Consider second hand, many are upgrading to buy DSC units, if you do not feel the need, a 2nd hand unit might suit perfectly and you may not feel the compulsion to take it off each time (right pain).

 

[pvb]

If you decide to buy new, a good handheld VHF will do everything you'd need it to do in most circumstances. Lots of previous threads on these, suggest you do a search.

For online buying of electronics, probably the supplier who's consistently the cheapest is JG Technologies - and their prices include courier delivery too. Also check out Yachtbits, Yachting Universe, MES and Marine SuperStore.

 

[Guest]

I agree with another post .... second-hand may be enough - as many are indulging in DSC new sets.

If you only intend local stuff - without thoughts of wandering over the horizon stuff - why spend out on DSC ?

Very good sets are offered secondhand and there is no law against them - only if you buy new do you have to concern with it ....

If you are thinking of longer trips out to sea - then DSC is advised ....

Hand-held is good - many bargain sets nowadays and care with charging keeps everything neat ....

 

[StephenSails]

And if us online chaps are still not in the right ball park Ebay is good, I sold a fixed DSC radio in there for about £90 a few weeks back (brand new!)

 

[Gunship]

muchos gracios for all the helpful replies! very much appreciated!

ok, budget : I want to keep it as close to 100.00 as I can, and having read all of the above, plus I found some reveiws, I think it's best to get a fixed unit rather than a hand held - longer range, less likely to fall overboard/get broken etc

I'll have a look at the links to the online stores and see if I can find one that looks ok - is there anything I should watch out for or avoid?

I tried doing a search on here for other vhf threads but it just kept falling over. I'll try and have another look at a quiet time in the middle of the night and see if it works.

thanks again for all the help guys and gals

 

[pvb]

Ones to avoid...

Some people seem to have had reliability problems with Silva and Cobra sets. If you can spend a bit more, the Navman 7100 is excellent value at £139 (inc free cockpit speaker) from JG Technologies.

The search facility on the forum doesn't work very well, but you can get much better results by searching the forum via Google. Just put <span style="color:red">site:www.ybw.com/forums</span> in the Google search box, followed by your search words.

 

[Vara]

On a boat of this size I'd go for a decent hand held.I'm an ICOM fan but there are others!Can't see any real benefit in having a fixed installation.(presuming that you will only be day sailing in sight of land).

 

[bilbobaggins]

I agree with previous replies that a reasonable handheld will do all that you need - and considering your budget comment ( we all have that issue! ), an h/h will be measurably cheaper than a fixed kit.

No-one has yet mentioned the cost of fitting and fixing, or the cost of a reliable antenna. Most problems of unreliability with fixed VHFs come from poor installation, corroding cable connections, and crew clumsiness. There is also the potential for theft....

I would encourage you to acquire a decent handheld ( plenty of bargains around at present ) with a charging 'holster' fitted permanently on the boat and another small charger at home. You will have more change left over that way and, I am certain, will find the setup more satisfactory in use.

 

[JonBrooks]

What ever way you go worth waiting ti ll the Boat show in Jan.

Lots of offers on pricing and also new products coming.

If you are visiting the show you can go and play with the kit.
This can be a real aid to you.

Regards

 

[Gunship]

Ok thanks again guys, I'll have a look at the boat show and try before I buy /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I'm very unlikely to go too far towards the horizon in my little 18ftr so a handheld would be perfect, and I could lob it in the car at the end of the trip without worrying about leaving it on the boat!

Oh and Pvb's tip on Google searching these forums has proved invaluable this morning! thanks m8! you've saved a lot of people from reading stupid questions from me! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[ShipsWoofy]

Spanner in works

What happens if you drop the handheld over the side?


I have always treated my hand held as a useful backup and means to talk whilst at the helm, and for communication between tender and ship.

Maybe this is not something that will worry you, but I feel a small fixed unit will suit better quite honestly.

 

[neale]

For around £200 you could have both. The fixed set will give you much more transmit power as well as not having to worry about recharging and flat batteries. A hand held is great for a back up but they can and will die on you just when you need it.