VHF Radio suggestions

DUKiller1 · 07-25-2009, 10:44 PM

Hi guys,

Looking at putting a vhf on my 20 north river scout. Don't need all the bells and whistles, but would like a reliable unit. I've compared several and for the money the Uniden Oceanus seems to have the DSC, controls on the mic, 3 channel search. Does anyone have a legitimate reason for going with a different unit or have options that I may want to consider.

thanks,

Capt. Slick · 07-26-2009, 07:39 AM

That's what I have in my 20' seahawk works well. With a good antenna this is a decent radio.

StickFish · 07-26-2009, 08:34 AM

PM Lurking Out Loud - he has a pretty good deal on the Icom 422 and 8' Digital antenna. Icom makes a much better radio

Orca · 07-26-2009, 08:48 AM

The Oceanus only has NMEA In (GPS location). It would be best to get a unit with both NMEA In and Out. That way, Distress calls would show instantly on your chartplotter, and friends could send you private position updates. The better radios also now have a dedicated channel 70 (DSC-D) receiver, so they will never miss distress calls on channel 70.

bluehewes · 07-28-2009, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StickFish

PM Lurking Out Loud - he has a pretty good deal on the Icom 422 and 8' Digital antenna. Icom makes a much better radio

I bought a package from him I probably saved a little money but the convenience alone was worth it. You don't have to pay shipping or anything tell him what you want and you just have to pick it up. I went with the 504 with Digital ant. and have been happy with it.

OB1 · 07-28-2009, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StickFish

PM Lurking Out Loud - he has a pretty good deal on the Icom 422 and 8' Digital antenna. Icom makes a much better radio

I could agree more about Icom, excellent radio!

DUKiller1 · 07-29-2009, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StickFish

PM Lurking Out Loud - he has a pretty good deal on the Icom 422 and 8' Digital antenna. Icom makes a much better radio

New to the VHF market. How does the Icom radio differ from the uniden? When you say it's "better" is that quality, features, etc.

thanks,

Jason

Azeal · 07-30-2009, 10:25 AM

Icom 304 is their budget model, still has DSC but can only send (not receive locations from other boats). I got mine for around $140 on sale.

Re: quality vs. Uniden or other radios, I could tell the difference just looking at them in the shop. The handset on the Icom was made much heavier, with a stainless steel clip vs. plastic. Buttons and knobs similarly heavier. Reviews floating around the web made it sound like Icom was a much more durable unit. I am very happy with mine.

I also went with a 8' Digital brand antenna, bought it from the marine electronics shop in Clackamas. I would highly recommend going with a cheaper Icom radio (like the 304), then spending the difference on a Digital antenna vs. a Shakespear. Much better materials, cable much nicer, connections much nicer, and according to reviews, range is much better.

Halfhooked · 08-01-2009, 10:03 PM

Man, i love my Icom. I also went with the "Digital" brand antennae, and the difference bettween that and a Shakespere is unbeliveable...

12pulls · 08-05-2009, 08:59 PM

Icom is a well respected ham radio builder and has made fantastic 2 meter and HF radios for decades. Their handhelds are first rate.

VWTim · 08-06-2009, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12pulls

Icom is a well respected ham radio builder and has made fantastic 2 meter and HF radios for decades. Their handhelds are first rate.

FWIW, I use Icom for my mobile installed ham gear. Great company and they're based in the NW, somewhere around Seattle.

boatman · 08-10-2009, 06:23 PM

lurking, where are you located?

Fish_N_Russ · 08-10-2009, 09:45 PM

Also in the market for a VHF, whats the price range on the better units? Can a person install everything themselves? I know a local marina carries Cobra brand, are they decent? thanks

noreaster · 08-11-2009, 11:30 AM

If you have a chartplotter/sonar or gps make sure it doesnt interfer with your radio. I have a lowrance a lcx 111c hd chartplotter/sonar and when turned on it trashes out my icom 502. I like the icom but, will replace this unit. Ive been assisted by icom tech support, ifishers and salty dogs. Nothing solved the problem.