VHF raidio recomendations?

[Idaho]

Hi, all.
I posted last week about a forthcoming trip I'm taking your way later this month. I don't have a vhf radio and want to get one. Does anyone have any specific recomendations? What's the difference between a $70 and a $200 model. If it helps, the boat is a 17' stryker that goes ocean-bound twice or three times a year. Thanks for any input.
Regards,
Greg

[AngleThis]

Almost any radio will work about the same; they all have the same wattage which is regulated by law. The performance variations are much more a function of your antena. I see a huge range difference between my base unit on the 9ft whip and my hand held, even when transmititng on the high wattage setting. I strongly reccomend a big 9 footer... with a high end antenna, you can really "reach out and touch someone".

Be sure to route the antena wire away from any sterio system or you will have problems.

[Pete]

I can only speak from experience with one unit. I have a Raytheon 52 (model is now upgraded to 53) ... it is waterproof and always works. It sits in the rain, gets pressure washed when I clean my boat and keeps on ticking.

You may find some useful information in this article from West Marine (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/commerce/command/ExecMacro/west_advisor.d2w/show_advisor?fn=53.htm&store_num=3) .

[Idaho]

Thanks for the input and link, guys. The article was very helpful! I think I now know what I'm after.
Regards,
Greg

[Myles]

My only reccomendation is to get one that will scan, one you can preset which channels you want it to scan. (~$150) Get a decent antenna. I believe handhelds only operate at 5 watts and mounted output 25 watts.
myles

[YellowDog]

Why can't you put the antenna cable next to a stereo?

[Lepper]

Hey, I was able to get one off of ebay for around 80$ that meets my needs.. Basically, they are all relativly similar besides all the bells and whistles.. scan ect.. maybe if you are only going to need it 3 or 4 times a yr, maybe you don't want the bells and whistle and can save you some money. Down side of not having a scan you need to know what channel everyone is on. Go for a good antenna. Can't say that enough, make sure it is installed correctly and not grounding out. 25 watts is more then enought to be heard a few miles away, although there are ways to boost that. The FCC says you are not suppose to use any higher power then what you need to communicate with who ever it is.. so if that is 5w. then use that if 25 ect.....

hope that helps.. ( go for the long whip antenna)

[Skipper]

I have a Raytheon 53 that works great. I bought it from Cabela's online. They threw in a 36" antenna and an antenna mount.
:smile: