Well, SLOWLY but surely, my new BoiceJet is getting closer to reality, the welding is underway. I've purchased just darn near everything over the last few months, except for a VHF and antenna. These are the models I'm looking at:
Uniden Oceanus
ICOM 402S or M-45
RayMarine 45 or 53
Standard Horizon Eclipse or Quest
Only real qualification I have is that it be completely waterproof with good warranty, and not a great big box taking up a lot of dash space. Not going to be taking TUNA! trips on the big blue, or anything like that. I want a black radio, and I'll be getting a black 8' fiberglass antenna as well.
Anyone have any of these radios? Input, good/bad/ugly is appreciated.
TR
I just bought a Uniden Oceanus. Black aand doesn't take up much room on the dash. Haven't used it much but like it. It's hooked up to a 8' antena.Got it new on e-bay $104 + shipping. Great price.
I spent some time at the radio counter at Fisherman's a few weeks back. One of the things that the gentlemen who was helping me mentioned was that next year, all radios will be equipped with a "distress" button. If I remember correctly, it basically hails any boat within a mile or so. It is designed to double up on hailing the coast guard. Only a few models have them this year. As I recall, Standard Horizon has this feature on this year's model.
I have the RayMarine predecessor, Raytheon 52. It's been flawless for 5 years. Waterproof is a nice feature! Also, don't skimp on an antenna ... a good one is worth the expense.
After some research and shopping around,I'm expecting to pick up the full package today at Rogers Marine Electronics: Uniden Oceanus, (I decided I didn't need the DCS or wireless mic feature of the Polaris; and needed the compact size of the Oceanus) better Shakespeare 8' antenna, 5" loudspeaker, fold-down antenna mount, thru-hull waterproof cable fittings.
Buying from Rogers, I'm hoping they'll doublecheck the antenna tuning for free or nominal charge.
I shopped as well, internet as well as locally. The best combo deal I found was the ICOM 402 w/Shakespere Centennial antenna @ Cabelas.
The Coast Guard in Portland picked me up from Columbia City on my radio check so I guess it works ok. :smile:
Standard Horizon. The best performing VHF out there by far. I've owned 2 other unidens and both were sent back to the factory. The coast guard uses Standard Horizon fyi..
Fishermans marine has a new modl vhf that sells for $179. and change it has the auto distres feature on it but it needs a GPS hooked up to it to give the coasties your position when you push the panic button. Did not look at who it was made by.
DAB
When I purchased mine from Enguland Marine they had the Standard Horizon, Raymarine, and Icom. In the price range I was looking at,$140-160 all 3 had a good model. My concern was water resistance and the best heat sink. They said the Icom was the most water resistant; it could be completely submerged and had a bigger heat sink than the standard horizon. The price was the same the futures were comparable so I went with the Icom M45 and have not had any problem with it.
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