Which vhf

[russ]

My current vhf has stopped working today which meant not leaving the marina today. Grrr!!
Which radio set would anyone recommend to replace my old Simrad RD68 and best place to buy?
Anything that's an easy swap.

 

[gjgm]

My current vhf has stopped working today which meant not leaving the marina today. Grrr!!
Which radio set would anyone recommend to replace my old Simrad RD68 and best place to buy?
Anything that's an easy swap.

If it is flush mounted and you want it easy to swap, I guess you will have to look at the mounting size and clamp method. That aside, S/Horizon seem to always do very well in reviews.As with most makes, you can get numerous add on features beyond the basic VHF. There was a review a few months back in one of the boating mags of vhf sets...one of the sailing ones I think.

 

[Spi D]

Fitting will dictate a lot as space for the thing must be available.To start you need to do a bit of homework: Your requirements against features offered (and budget).

After owning various makes I suggest you get a major brand with a service point not too far away.
Standard Horizon and Icom have done well for me. A Cobra was removed for not working when most needed.

Any radio will need proper wiring and antenna so that should be checked while you are at it.

 

[Tam Lin]

Just bought a standard horizon 1700e which has built in gps. It connects to the satellites within a minute or two. Initially I thought it wasn't working properly so checked the antenna, still no better, bought a new antenna and it was magic!

 

[oldgit]

If you want quality and back up .If you want a range of dealers who usually know what they are selling.If you want a make that sell only communication equipment for Marine- Aircraft- Amateur and Commercial equipment.
Do not import and sell badged stuff that no one will have heard of in 10 years time simply because its cheap.
If you want to buy from a UK company still owned by the family who started it and who still have their headquarters and service centre in Herne Bay where they began nearly 50 years ago !
Not being allowed to advertise on here cannot name company but here is a clue "mocI"

 

[AIDY]

ThAt will be icom backwards then.

 

[rosssavage]

You will struggle to find a straight swap in terms of form factor.

My RD68 failed about five years ago, and I eventually replaced it with a Raymarine 54E. Very pleased with it, and it was a close fit, but I still needed to do some GRP rebuilding as it's just a bit narrower than the Simrad.

Almost all radios now are less wide but taller than the RD68

 

[Pinnacle]

Something from Standard Horizon.

 

[Fantasie 19]

...and once you replace it buy a decent handheld as a backup...

 

[russ]

...and once you replace it buy a decent handheld as a backup...

Good point :encouragement:

 

[lpdsn]

Something from Standard Horizon.

I'm really impressed with mine. Gx2100. Gives AIS receiver as an extra. Reception is brilliant. I've heard Holyhead and Stornoway CG within ten or fiftenn minutes of each other on a few occasions.

There is a new Gx2200 which also has built in GPS. The Gx1600 (without AIS/GPS) seems pretty cheap - I think there was one for £100 when I bought my VHF/AIS.

Bear in mind that VHF radios are pretty old technology these days. I bet even the 'cheap' ones have a pretty fat profit margin built in.