Recommendations for VHF radio and antenna?

[1 Gearhead]

I want to get a set-up before going to Santee in a couple weeks . For a pontoon . I don't want to spend a whole lot but I im not sure what I should get . Any suggestions will be helpful .Thanks

[bigdav]

The best VHF radio in the world is only as good as the antenna you are using. That being said you can spend more on a good antenna than you can for a good radio.
I ended up with a Humminbird VHF because it allowed me to link to my Humminbird GPS for an emergency signal broadcast of my location (just in case).
I decided to get as good of an antenna that I had knowledge. I went with a Shakespeare Galaxy XT (I think) 8 ft antenna and fold down mount. I paid about triple for the antenna (with shipping) and the mount than I did for the radio.
I know all this probably wasn't any help but the moral I guess is: You going to get what you *** for and don't buy a nice radio and settle for a cheap antenna.

[jerry9497]

I got a Raymarine, paid about $130 for it, also 8' antennea. at times I've talked to people on Falls from near old whitney. at times I cant hear what they say at skiers cove from same area. One thing I dont like, when I'm out at night, with night fishing lights on...and I key the mic all my lights dim way down, that makes me think it uses alot of power, I dont like that. I fish all weekend mostly at night on 1 battery charge.
I also bought the handheld hummingbird vhf rechargeable for about the same price. when at Badin thats the one I have turned on most times. it will pick up most of badin talk but not as good as the mounted unit. so guess I dont know what I like so as big dave said I'm probably not much help either.

[1 Gearhead]

Thanks Guys, I was looking at the uniden Solara @ $100.00 and a 8' shakesphere antenna @ $50.00 and I quess a stainless mount @ $35.00's. I keep my boat at a storage facility so I have to strip it down after every trip ,batteries ,rod holders , ect. So hand held would be nice but to get a strong one I would have to *** more than I want to . I'll make a quick dis-connect .

[WVBowhunter]

I got the uniden solara and it works good for me,,I use a little 3ft whip and have talked from the Mid James down to the CG at Norfolk,,thats quite a Jump

[1 Gearhead]

Thanks ,I believe I wil get that unit . Thanks

[fisherhead]

Gearhead let us know how it works...I gotta get one too and am in the market looking for one.

[Pier Pressure]

I would say go w/a DCS radio and a good 8' antenna. Make sure your antenna wire connection is solid too. The Uniden Oceanus I have has stood up well to the pounding I have given it. If you have GPS aboard you can tie it into the radio and register for a MMSI # which is like a phone # for your radio. If you ever hit the distress button it sends your location, boat description, primary & secondary contact phone numbers etc... Not to mention with a MMSI # you can hail others with one privately too. I've taken my jon miles offshore in forty* water and felt better that the distress button was smart.

Here's a link w/some more info.
http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/

[1 Gearhead]

Thanks Jim , I have looked at units with DCS switch . Thats a nice option . I'm still shopping . I need to hurry up and decide . I got two weeks .

[Bluecat69]

Here is what I have on my two fishing boats and they work perfect. The package comes with an 8' antenna. Overtons has them on sale right now and they ship quick.
Just my two cents. Well worth the money.

Cobra® MR F45 VHF Radio Package
Item # 75992


In Stock

$134.99
After Mail-In Rebate $114.99
$20 Mail-In Rebate Good Through 7/31/2010

This fixed-mount VHF radio offers full-function DSC capability.

Fixed-mount VHF radio

Full-function DSC capability

10 NOAA weather channels

25 watt/1 watt switchable

Submersible to JIS7 standards

[1 Gearhead]

Thats a real good deal , how far on a average can you get out and recieve with this set up . Thanks

[Bluecat69]

I have made calls as far as about 10 miles and received replies back from same distance. I usually stay on low but when making calls that far I use the High setting.
Its well worth the price and its a good quailty radio, antenna and mount.

[1 Gearhead]

Thanks , I don't think I can beat that package deal.