Bugsbunnyboater

How many of us really use or know how to use your vhf radio correctly or at all?
It seems like most of us listen to it but don't get a chance to transmit until we have a problem.

gerg

For that matter, how many people ever take their boats out of their slips?

ctoolman

I hate the VHF,its worse than having a CB,i only really have it for an emergency,probably wont be able to actually get thru when i really need it , due to all the useless chatter.

thundra

I usually like to at least listen to 16 and 22 "Alpha" when the CG has people switch up to it.

Other times I'll have the VHF scan most of the rec channels and some of the com's.

I'll reply to a radio check every now and then just to make sure mine is working but as I have 2 VHF's, I use the backup handheld and do a check of each at the dock.

TampaRealEstate

try to keep mine on in case some one needs help, but after an hour or so of hearing nothin but radio checks just cant handle it any more. should be set channel for that?

Buoy Scout

Use mine a lot-calling marinas, etc. I use the DSC function for calling friends--I have 8 or 10 MMSI numbers of boating buddies in my directory, and call them using the DSC call function. I usually have mine set to tri-watch--9, 16 and one of the local non commercial channels, 68, 72 or 78.

Pro251wa

Now that's getting full use out of the VHF! Very nice Buoy Scout.

I leave mine on 16. Around Naples there's not a lot of talk. However, given my current thread about the antenna, I don't do much more than turn it on and radio check.

rwidman

I know how to use it and often leave it on to listen to what's going on in the area. I use it to call my marinas or other marinas I'm stopping at, or for fuel stops.

I occasionally call friends if I have a reason to. Recently, a friend was leaving the marina and I noticed something dragging behind his boat. I was able to call him and warn him about it.

Listening to the radio (on the scan setting) helps when you need to call out on it because you've been exposed to the language and protocalls.

rhartjr

Got three on board and know how to use them. Two fixed, one on 16, one on 06 (the local fishing chatter channel) and a handheld in the ditch bag.

Occasionally entertaining, couple of years ago listened to a fellow making a mayday call on 16, his fire suppresion system had gone off so he made a mayday call...to the marina.

Ray

PtJudeRI

I will use mine for a variety of reasons... Chatter, calling others, listening to the Coasties, and also, due to the fog in NE, I will call Securite for entering/leaving inlets. Also hazards to navigation. I'm sure no one here is surprised about how many people will head out in the fog w/ no radar.....

Also, I have an SSB, so I had to get a radio license as well...

salt_shaker

13/16, i hate 9 and hate when 16 is full of chatter. if im out on my boat, i dont even turn the vhf on....

cooterscrazy

Gets turned on with the other electronics when I get on the boat. Most of the time I am on 67-68-78 so I can talk to buddies for the fishing reports. Once it gets to busy like on a weekend I will just leave it on 16.

Birdman

Know how to use them, and use the hell out of em. If I'm on the boat, out, at dock, .... always on, and on ch. 78. When I'm running I'm ussually monitoring 16 and 78.

gerg

Ok, I'll ask, what is so special about channel 78?

Reel Draggin' Tackle

I have two fixed mounted and one hand held. The fixed mounted radios get truned on with the rest of the electronics and are used all day long while we are out fishing.

Buoy Scout

One of the noncommercial channels, 68, 72 or 78 often is the favored channel for local fisherman--headboats and the like. I sometimes monitor one of these to hear all the fishing conversations. More interesting than useful, however. Probably same reason Birdman monitors it.

gerg

I never heard much of interest on 78 out my way, must be a local thing. Channel 19 out of montauk is usually pretty fishy, and 68 further out when we get to the canyons.

I have probably 20 or channels on my scan list. 78 just never made the cut.

Shamus O'toole

I voted No I am waiting, I only use my VHF in an emergency. Yes I know how to use it and even have it registered (call numbers are WZF4133)

BOOMER

I've got two. One I leave on 16 and the other I use 13 in the passes and then 67 in the river {Ms.} itself. When in the Gulf I tune it to 68 for the calls from the charter and rec. guys.

Joe

I was under the impression that if you had an operable VHF, you must have it on and monitor 16.