ShipStore.com Beacon: How to Choose a VHF Marine Radio
Issue 65, January 21 2005
http://www.ShipStore.com
Floating your boat since 1982 TM


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IN THIS ISSUE:
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~ WELCOME ABOARD: Greetings from Captain Jim
~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: How to Choose a VHF Marine Radio
~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: VHF Marine Radio Specials
~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree" Drawing

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~ WELCOME ABOARD: Greetings from Captain Jim
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Communication is a key part of boating. We get lots of questions from customers asking for advice in this department, so we figured it was time for a VHF marine radio guide. Actually, we've divided it into separate units, basically "how to use" and "how to choose" a marine radio. This week, George has outlined some of the criteria you should keep in mind when selecting a new VHF marine radio to purchase. And next week, we'll teach you how to use it.

If you think we've missed something important, please send an email to editor AT shipstore DOT com (replacing "at" and "dot" with the correct symbols,) and we might add it to the website with special credit to you!

Captain Jim
captjim@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: How to Choose a VHF Marine Radio
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Wondering how to choose a VHF marine radio when new models range from relatively inexpensive to well over a thousand dollars? How do you decide between marine radios that are similar in price and claim to offer the same quality and value? How to you decide between a hand-held or fixed-mount VHF radio? In short, what exactly should you look for when selecting a VHF radio from the numerous marine radios listed on this website?

As you can imagine, there are many variables to consider when selecting a VHF marine radio. There simply isn't a "best" radio for all circumstances, and many of the choices you need to make are unique to your circumstances. The type of boating you do (kayaking and rafting; wet, small boat sailing in lakes; offshore fishing; large yacht cruising etc.) plays a big part in your decision, as will the size of your vessel, brand familiarity and preference, and ultimately the amount you want to spend. In general, you should try to best the best quality VHF marine radio for your needs for the best price. Seems logical, right?

One of the most important criteria you'll need to consider is whether you should purchase a handheld VHF radio or a fixed installation VHF radio. The answer is simple. For most boaters, your best choice is a fixed radio installation, plus a hand-held radio. Here's why.

A fixed installation VHF radio draws electrical current from the boat's battery and transmits its signal via a powerful, mounted antenna. So, in general a fixed installation radio offers superior power/strength and reliability. If you need your VHF radio in an emergency one day, it will be easy to see why communication power and reliability are essential when boating.

So if a fixed-mount radio is usually more powerful and more reliable, why buy a handheld VHF? There are several reasons, but the most obvious is redundancy. In boating, an activity where circumstances and conditions can change suddenly and dramatically, it's always prudent to have a backup plan. If you're in a dangerous situation and your fixed-mount marine radio picks that moment to stop working (or even just to stop working as well as required) then a handheld VHF radio is a relatively inexpensive insurance policy.

But redundancy is not the only reason for considering purchasing both. Convenience is another significant reason that it makes sense to complement your fixed-mount VHF radio with a handheld. Because you can always carry a handheld radio along with you (newer models are so small that you're not even aware of them clipped to your belt or foul weather gear), you're never out of communication. This means that even if you need to head below decks temporarily of for some other reason leave the helm, you can still communicate. Likewise, if you take the dinghy into shore while anchored out, you don't lose contact.

Another valuable feature of a handheld vhf radio is that it is battery powered. So it represents an added element of safety if lightning or electrical failure disables your fixed-mount radio. And because handhelds are generally more waterproof than fixed mount radios, you don't have to worry as much about the risks of water damage.

There are plenty of additional factors to consider evaluating and selecting handheld VHF radios and fixed installation VHF radios, but they are all pretty subjective based upon your needs, preferences, limitations and budget. Consider, for example what sort of mounted antenna will work with fixed marine radios, and/or what sort of flexible antennas are available for handhelds. Additional features to compare include transmission range, screen display (daylight and dark), easy squelch controls, water resistance (or waterproof) and low-profile knobs. For handhelds you'll always want to consider battery capacity, case design and lanyard or belt clip for safekeeping.

The good news is that there's a wide variety of marine radios available, and you're sure to find a perfect match for your needs!

George Davis, Beacon Editor
editor@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: VHF Marine Radio Specials
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ICOM AMERICA VHF RADIO HAND HELD

ICOM AMERICA VHF RADIO WHITE COMPACT

ICOM AMERICA VHF RADIO BLACK

ICOM AMERICA M602 VHF RADIO WHITE

ICOM AMERICA Submersible VHF Handheld Radio, Black

HORIZON VHF ECLIPSE+ WHITE (CTD)

STANDARD HORIZON Submersible Hand Held Mini 5W VHF RADIO, Black

STANDARD HORIZON Submersible Hand Held Mini 5W VHF RADIO, White

STANDARD HORIZON Handheld Tri-Band VHF, FRS, AM/FM, MURS Radio, Black

STANDARD HORIZON Handheld Tri-Band VHF, FRS, AM/FM, MURS Radio, Silver

UNIDEN Atlantis 250 Hand Held VHF Radio, Black

UNIDEN Hand Held VHF Radio Compact

UNIDEN Fixed Mount VHF Radio with DSC, White

UNIDEN VHF RADIO FIXED Mount with DSC, Black

UNIDEN VHF FIXED Mount CLASS D DSC White, 3 inch display, with hailer

UNIDEN Hand Held VHF Radio Mini

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~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree!" Drawing
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Win a $100.00 credit at ShipStore.com. To be eligible for future "Win a Shopping Spree!" drawings all you have to do is subscribe to the Beacon. All current subscribers are eligible for the random drawing. If you're not already subscribed, then visit http://www.shipstore.com and click the "Win a Shopping Spree!" link along the top of your screen.

Once you subscrive you'll be sent a confirmation email which you must respond to in order to activate your subscription and be added to our mailing list. This double opt-in procedure enables us to prevent accidental subscriptions and spam. As soon as your confirmation is confirmed, you will be entered into the "Win a Shopping Spree!" drawing for a $100.00 free merchandise from ShipStore.com. Good luck.

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