Any reason NOT to get a handheld VHF for a 17' CC for fishing the western sound as opposed to mounting one? (Seems the Standard Horizon 350S gets great reviews and would be good for a small vessel.) I have been advised so often problems are related to dead batteries/electical systems that a handheld, with its independant power source, is a better/safer way to go - opinions please. Thank you.
VHF - handheld vs. mounted
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
hand helds
The only drawbacks are that they have less range and you're radio's battery can die. Charge it before you leave the dock. If you are not going too far, it should be fine. A mounted unit with antena is definetly better though.
A cell phone would be a good back up in the western sound.
...mocean
The only drawbacks are that they have less range and you're radio's battery can die. Charge it before you leave the dock. If you are not going too far, it should be fine. A mounted unit with antena is definetly better though.
A cell phone would be a good back up in the western sound.
...mocean
when i had my 18 center cunsole, I used the Garmen GPS 12. I found it difficult to use while driving. So I got a mounting bracket and it worked great. If you have a electrical system on the boat, I would recomend the 12v adapter just in case. But when comparing a permanent vs. handheld, i prefer the permanent because they have larger screens and an external antenna. Hope this helps.
Thanks guys.
Yeah, I was thinking use the nicads and keep backup akalines on board. Definitely considered a holder for the handheld. Will the added range of the mounted be noticeable in the Western Sound? Is the speaker much better to hear with in a mounted?
Yeah, I was thinking use the nicads and keep backup akalines on board. Definitely considered a holder for the handheld. Will the added range of the mounted be noticeable in the Western Sound? Is the speaker much better to hear with in a mounted?
AfterDark,
DO yourself a favor and get a fixed radio with an antenna. The handhelds are good, but batteries die, you're limited in range due to antenna height, and they don't put out as much power as the fixed units. You may not need the power for range, but to punch through some of the other background chatter and static, especially if you're in trouble.
I have a fixed radio (Standard Horizon) on the boat and a handheld ICOM (older model). But this model allows me to disconnect the rubber antenna, put on an adapter and plug in my boat antenna for added range.
Besides it could be tough holding the radio in one hand while driving with the other while drinking your coffee while keeping warm...
Be safe.
Capt Tom
PS On your cc, it may be hard to hear any radio. Hook up an external speaker and plug it into the back of the fixed radio (most have a plug for such use). Install an on/off switch so ou can use the speaker when needed.
DO yourself a favor and get a fixed radio with an antenna. The handhelds are good, but batteries die, you're limited in range due to antenna height, and they don't put out as much power as the fixed units. You may not need the power for range, but to punch through some of the other background chatter and static, especially if you're in trouble.
I have a fixed radio (Standard Horizon) on the boat and a handheld ICOM (older model). But this model allows me to disconnect the rubber antenna, put on an adapter and plug in my boat antenna for added range.
Besides it could be tough holding the radio in one hand while driving with the other while drinking your coffee while keeping warm...
Be safe.
Capt Tom
PS On your cc, it may be hard to hear any radio. Hook up an external speaker and plug it into the back of the fixed radio (most have a plug for such use). Install an on/off switch so ou can use the speaker when needed.
AfterDark... Geez my friend,you're spending piles of money on ALL the SAME CRAP as ME!!!... Aquasport Osprey 175,..VHF..,GPS!!! I am also looking for a GOOD Depth sounder,just spent $6400 on a Grand Cherokee to tow all this junk,plus I bought a newer Merc 6 hp for a kicker,I also need a Spare tire and rim w/bracket,kicker bracket, re fitting the trailer with a few hundred bucks worth of keel rollers and brackets..I found CC covers at Westmarine for about $89 Man,,, some YEAR I might even get to go fishing in the boat I have my lungs invested in ... I thought a17 ft. CC was for poor guys... I would have done better buying a 25 foot walkaround cuddy with dock space... it would have been cheaper!!! .. best of luck in your outfitting endevours!!!.... let me know what you find and like,,, I'll do likewise!! keep in touch... ... here's my email if you'd like to "talk" privately about our 175's and what to put on/in /over/under/ them...
[email protected]
[/list]
[email protected]
[/list]
hey bullet, "piles of money" ? just looking at a vhf and gps, want to be safe and on the fish (or at least where my friends tell me they were) .... i already had a truck to tow it, i am not investing in a kicker - just an oar, no trailer upgrades (it doesn't need any), it came with a fish finder already installed --- i just hope YOU have some change left over for bait...
I am going to register it today and i'll be on the water this afternoon!!!
I am going to register it today and i'll be on the water this afternoon!!!
First, as usual, thanks for all the good info guys (/ladies?). Since it seems fixed is the way to go, and they can cost the same before antenna for the fixed, I am thinking of getting the ICOM IC-M402S. Anyone have a reason not to go with this one? Continued Thanks.
AfterDark.. geez it sounds like you're a bit upset with my stupid comments.. please don't be ...I was just giving you a friendly poke in the ribs! ... Sounds like your rig is about done ,while I'm still fiddlin' with mine!! Let me know how the new toys work out! .... bob
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
