VHF, wich one ?

[30boat]

My Simrad RD68 is giving trouble for the second time wich most probably justifies buying a new set instead of having it repaired.Problem is prices vary wildly and I just don't know what to buy.I need a simple and reliable DSC radio with an easy to read display and a DSC button that can't be triggered by accident.And preferably not too expensive.
Any advice welcomed.

 

[paulburton44]

I am looking for a new one as well.... There seems to be some good deals on the Navman 7100 for about £100....

 

[Piers]

I would always choose ICOM. Great kit from a dedicated radio company. Great after sales service as well. Known them for years.

ICOM UK

No commercial connection, etc.

 

[JustMelfort]

I bought a Standard Horizon Gx1500 having seen them do so well in a review (PBO?) some months ago. Anyway, fab -simple - came with bracket and flush mount options - waterproof - is easy to understand without carrying the manual about. Best bit of kit I'v bought in ages and at £110/120 its good value I thought....anyway, I'm chuffed to bits with it.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

The 7200 is a better unit wrt user interface. I would not buy a DSC without a numerical keypad.

My criteria when buying, following it needing to be a well made and reliable radio.

Proper volume, squelch and channel rotary knobs. Keypad. Main functions available without entering an abyss of menu operations. Easy to read and large screen. Able to operate wearing gloves or cold hands, intuitive enough if you are scared and the reason you actually bought the radio.

I bought the navman 7200 which I am still very happy with.

 

[Malcb]

I definitely second th Navman 7200. The alpha/numeric keypad on the mike is well worth it.

When I leave the marina, I just have to key in 80 to the keypad, don't need to look at the display, and I can then operate it from the cockpit.

Big display, so it doesn't matter if my specs are a bit fogged.