Handheld VHF

[Putty]

I am a weekend boater (casual fishing and family) with a 20ft GW. My boating is limited to the middle Chesapeake Bay and tributaries. I'm looking for a VHF . . . can I get away with just a handheld like the Icom M72 with 6 watts?
Appreciate anyones thoughts.

[thataway]

A VHF is a safety item. The range of the set will be limited. You will pay almost as much for a fixed 25 watt unit (plus antenna) as for a hand held. I would not skimp here. In fact I have a submersiable hand held VHF for each crew member, plus two fixed radios. Go for a 25 watt set and an 8 foot high quality antenna.

[Radio University]

I agree! i would go with something like the ICOM M422 and the Shakespeare 5225XT antenna.

http://icomamerica.com/products/marine/m422/

http://www.shakespeare-marine.com/an...xy/5225-xt.htm

[Putty]

Thanks guys, great advice. I'll get one installed this season plus handheld.

CR

[EJAngler]

Putty - 9/2/2006 9:32 PM

Thanks guys, great advice. I'll get one installed this season plus handheld.

CR

That is exactly the right choice. Fixed mount, Galaxy 5225, handheld as a backup. You can also use the handheld at home to listen to the weather band.

EJ

[itwonder]

I am very happy with my new handheld, a Standard horizon HX270S. It's a bargain at around $85 street price. It has all the features you will ever need and it's very well built.

[BAYBUILT]

Putty,

I managed for a few years with just an Icom handheld. You're boating on the middle Chesapeake Bay, where you can see either shore. A quality handheld with an alkaline battery tray and spare batteries is recommended should your primary battery be drained. Start small, and should you need a fixed mount, you'll appreciate having a handheld in your boating safety kit.

I have two VHF radio's on the boat, my trusty Icom handheld and a fixed mount with 8ft whip on my pilothouse. I use my handheld more than I use my fixed mount.

I used my handheld recently for a distress call for a boater in trouble in the middle bay area. The communications with the Coast Guard, DNR and TowBoatUS was clear. I experienced no performance issues nor did the Coast Guard ask me to repeat any transmission.

If you were boating offshore, then a fixed mount (25 watt radio) would be a necessity.

Just my experience on the Chesapeake Bay!

[Putty]

Thanks Insomniac for your Chesapeake experience. While I'm having a fixed mount put in, it's nice to know that a handheld will get me by on the Mid-Chesapeake.

[BAYBUILT]

Welcome aboard Putty - you'll find THT to be a great source for assistance and guidance.