Cobra DSC VHF

[Mike B]

Has anyone heard anything about these ?

Seems to be alot available over the pond but only a few places with them here.

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/LWL004/

Seems good value for money if they are upto it !

Cheers

Mike

[Mark Halliday]

Mike
There were quite a lot on show at the Southampton Boat Show.
I did look fairly closly at them, and all I can say is that they are cheap, and it shows.
The buttons have no "feel" and the whole thing seems very flimsy even compared to Navman. The display is also quite small and hard to read.

[Jon Brooks]

Mike

Cobra mainly make CB radio.
They are being sold over here now by I think Mark Dowland or Marathon.
I had a good look at them at SIBS.
They look and feel like a £115 radio!
They look like a CB radio and not a marine radio.
That's with my radio head on and not my Icom head.

I would have to say they don't look very waterproof although they say they are!

As they say, you pays your money you takes your choice.

Regards

[Mike Martin]

I don't have an "insert make here" hat as I'm a regulator! I had two of these out of their boxes at Soton (customers who now needed MMSI numbers issued) and I agree with John.

These appear to all intents and purposes to be Marine VHF software in a CB casing (CB are manufactured to be installed in cars/lorries). My main worry was the fact that the back plate left the internals pretty much "free to air". If you are planning to fit one in a RIB console, I would suggest thinking carefully about inserting a W/proof membrane into the slot first.

IMHO I don't think they would withsatnd a bit of mist let alone some spray, which would make them OK for more "hermetically" sealed cabins but I don't know about on a "open" boat.

All my humble opinion of course.

Mike

[Jon Brooks]

Originally Posted by Mike Martin

I agree with John.

Mike

Mike in all the time you have known me have I ever spelt my name with a "H"

Anyway thanks for the support buddy!!

Regards

[Rogue Wave]

Yes I kinda agree with you all about the Cobras. As I have no intention of buying Icom equipment ever again what other makes are viable.

[Mike B]

Guys thanks for the frank replys.

Definately one to avoid then ! I expected it would be too good to be true !

Cheers

Mike

[Mike Martin]

Originally Posted by Jon Brooks

Mike in all the time you have known me have I ever spelt my name with a "H" Regards

Ooh get her !!

Rogue,

Simrad ( http://www.simrad.com ) are another well known brand not really on the ICOM scale but their units aren't bad! You could also look at Raymarine (http://www.raymarine.com/raymarine/) as well, their radios are much of a muchness but they did sponsor the Yachting Journalists Association personality awards.

I'm sure that you'll have come across the budget stuff already so I wont try and list them as the re-badging makes it too complicated to track.

Mike

[stevetheboat]

Rogue,
VM 3500 is now available (if you have the space) with 3 year waterproof warranty etc etc
http://www.standardhorizon.com/index...3&isArchived=0

Site shows US Quantum version but the European spec units (VM 3500) are now in stock and less than £300! might be worth considering if your looking for a radio that you can actually operate in a cold wet open boat.

[Jon Brooks]

Originally Posted by Mike Martin

Ooh get her !!

Rogue,

Simrad ( http://www.simrad.com ) are another well known brand not really on the ICOM scale but their units aren't bad! You could also look at Raymarine (http://www.raymarine.com/raymarine/) as well, their radios are much of a muchness but they did sponsor the Yachting Journalists Association personality awards.

I'm sure that you'll have come across the budget stuff already so I wont try and list them as the re-badging makes it too complicated to track.

Mike

Although one you have mentioned are selling a rebadged Navman.
The Navman is getting good reports seems to be a good alternative to our kit if you don't want to fill in a warranty card then send the units back after 3 years and expect them fixed for free or think that any company will return you kit without you paying for the repair first!
Or you have a faulty radio leave for a huge length of time then return it expecting it repaired for free!!!

Anyway the Navman is good kit.
Mark if your reading this you owe me!!

Regards