Handheld or mounted VHF?

[jimc]

Looking for advice on VHF radios for rib cruising.

Would it be better to buy a handheld one or to mount one into the console?

Any recommendations of models and where to buy etc?

Thanks

Jim

[Tony Barber]

Hi

Most would agree that one of each is preferable. A fixed VHF with DSC gives much better range and obviously DSC capabilities. However a handheld is handy as a back up or should you ever part company with the boat!

I suppose that if you never venture far and cost is an issue then a handheld would be a good initial buy. Thena fixed as and when funds allow?

I have recently bought a Navman 7100 fixed VHF and an ICOM MV Euro 1V handheld after listening to lots of advice. I'm very happy with both. I got an excellent deal at the boat show on the handheld.

Tony.

[ashbypower]

Originally Posted by Tony Barber

Hi

Most would agree that one of each is preferable. A fixed VHF with DSC gives much better range and obviously DSC capabilities. However a handheld is handy as a back up or should you ever part company with the boat!

I suppose that if you never venture far and cost is an issue then a handheld would be a good initial buy. Thena fixed as and when funds allow?

I have recently bought a Navman 7100 fixed VHF and an ICOM MV Euro 1V handheld after listening to lots of advice. I'm very happy with both. I got an excellent deal at the boat show on the handheld.

Tony.

I'm with Tony, one of each (Belt and Braces). We carry the H/H clipped on to the lifejacket. Usefull if boat flips

As to Manufacture well for us only one ICOM. IMHO.

Brian

[Searider]

I have always had handheld VHF radios on board to use to contact the coastguard in event of an emergency. (Never had to use them) For inshore use, or calling marinas etc, I reckon that they should be OK.

However, if you want a radio where you can receive calls from fellow ribbers I have found that a handheld in a pocket is pretty useless - you just can't hear it above the wind / engine noise. You need a fixed set with the volume set loud.

Have just bought a fixed set to go into my new boat. In intend on keeping the boat for a few years and so the cost won't be so hard to bear.

Regards

[Jon Brooks]

Originally Posted by Searider

However, if you want a radio where you can receive calls from fellow ribbers I have found that a handheld in a pocket is pretty useless - you just can't hear it above the wind / engine noise. You need a fixed set with the volume set loud.
Regards

I think this is why the M1V proves so popular.
The option of the lapel SPK/MIC means you can hear it.
They are very popular with some power boat instructors and a large number of PWC users.

Regards

Jon

[danny]

I have always used the bigger Icoms. They are problemfree equipment. Also fot outdoor use. They give a better/clearer sound than Navman.
The Icoms are clearly quicker to work with.
Have bought a Navman 7100 recently for the RIB and also works well.
Though i would recomend to buy a good antenna. Glassfiber min. 150 cm long.

Good luck.

Dan.

[Doug Stormforce]

Jim

As already said you are best of with both, however if you are only going for one .
The advantages of a hand held are
1/. Not dependent on the boats power supply, ie if your battery shorted out due to shipping to much water you still have a radio.
2/. The hand held is more flexable ie you can take it on different boats
3/. The hand held is cheaper
4/. You dont have to leave the HH on board so better for security

The advantages of the fixed set are
1/. DSC option
2/. Cant drop it overboard
3/. Cant leave it at home by mistake
4/. Better range due to a higher arial
5/. More power , fixed sets can transmit at 25W, HHs only at 5W
6/. You dont need to re charge the battery
7/. the fixed set can be mounted where convienant

Over all the fixed sets is better however all of my boats carry both for flexability and safety.

DOUG

[David Hickman]

It has to be Icom.
Fixed DSC set on the RIB soemthing like the new IC M421 euro and a Hand Held back up. I use the M1 EuroV with a fist mike as my back up. Like Jon said, with the fist mike you can keep the radio in your pocket and just have the mike/speaker clipped on, well worth the extra £'s.
What ever you get don't buy cheap as you will be relying on the radios to get help if all goes wrong.

[Searider]

Originally Posted by Jon Brooks

I think this is why the M1V proves so popular.
The option of the lapel SPK/MIC means you can hear it.
They are very popular with some power boat instructors and a large number of PWC users.

Regards

Jon

Would have bought a Lapel SPK/MIC for my M-21 but did not find out that it was not available (and keep the set waterproof) for my radio until after I had bought it. oops

[Rogue Wave]

If you have to choose one make it a fixed set! also if you decide to go only for a portable then please make sure you get an extendable emergency VHF ariel

re makes then I'd rather catch the clap again than buy another Icom fixed set, but to be honest I have three Icom portables and only one of them has failed so far. I certainly wouldn't advise buying a cheap XM portable as they are not at all waterproof.

The Standard range of portables seems to be reckoned by a few people

www.mesltd.co.uk

www.marinesuperstore.co.uk

Go and buy practical boat owner and look through the Ads which will give you an idea of how much you shoulkd be paying for your choice!

if you want to know how to use it then you can go on a course or get one of these http://www.amberleymarine.co.uk/html/vhf_-_dsc.html