Do I need a VHF Cover?

h2dav · 15 September 2016, 07:10

Hi All,

This may seem a silly question, but I have just bought an IC-M423G and just expected it to come with a standard cover. I appreciate it is water proof but the cover also helps avoiding the attraction to the odd light fingered boaty and it just goes against the grain to leave the boat without a cover over the VHF. Does anyone know if a cover can be bought for the radio? Or am I just being a little too security conscious. Thanks in advance for any advise.

jambo · 15 September 2016, 08:54

I had same issue a few years ago. I
Just contacted icom themselves and they came up trumps and mailed it to me. Worth a try.

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Pikey Dave · 15 September 2016, 09:54

I didn't know Icom did covers
Handy to know👍

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jambo · 15 September 2016, 11:44

Dave in all truth it's really a dust cover as its not very secure underway.

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willk · 15 September 2016, 11:55

Covers don't come with either Standard Horizon or Icom. S-H make a range of them, dunno about Icom, I don't see them anywhere online. I fussed about getting a cover for my S-H and haven't bothered with the Icom. I reckon trapping moisture under a cover is worse than a bit of rain every now and then.

Re the security: If I was a tealeaf and I saw an Icom cover - I'd probably think "There's a nice clean Icom VHF I can nick!" If you're worried about theft, sikaflex it in.

Pikey Dave · 15 September 2016, 12:19

It's more for uv protection when on holiday that I'm interested in.

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jambo · 15 September 2016, 13:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Covers don't come with either Standard Horizon or Icom. S-H make a range of them, dunno about Icom, I don't see them anywhere online. I fussed about getting a cover for my S-H and haven't bothered with the Icom. I reckon trapping moisture under a cover is worse than a bit of rain every now and then.

Re the security: If I was a tealeaf and I saw an Icom cover - I'd probably think "There's a nice clean Icom VHF I can nick!" If you're worried about theft, sikaflex it in.

Well I'm the proof they have them as I got one!! It maybe I got one that was not general sale but the nice person at the other end sourced one from their sales presentation dept.
I agree with Dave in terms uv protection

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Pikey Dave · 15 September 2016, 13:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by jambo

I agree with Dave in terms uv protection

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I didn't think that UV would be an issue for you Billy😉

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jambo · 15 September 2016, 14:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I didn't think that UV would be an issue for you Billy😉

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No your right there Dave I only wish I was agreeing with you. It's been a hellish summer altogether.

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CUSAC · 15 September 2016, 15:37

I bought a SH GX1700E a year ago and that came with a cover in the box. Don't really see the point of them though.

willk · 15 September 2016, 15:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by CUSAC

I bought a SH GX1700E a year ago and that came with a cover in the box. Don't really see the point of them though.

Damn them - I had to BUY mine!!!

On an open RIB I can't really see the point either. I bet Pikey has a really nice console cover on most nights. In fairness, in a bigger boat they would keep dust and crap off kit when not underway, either in the open or in a wheelhouse.

h2dav · 15 September 2016, 15:49

Hi,

And thanks all I really appreciate the advise. I will try and get a cover although I think you are most probably right and there really is no point other than to humour me ha ha

Pikey Dave · 15 September 2016, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

..... I bet Pikey has a really nice console cover on most nights.......

You been peeking😳

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jeffstevens763@g · 15 September 2016, 18:33

I had an all over console cover made whilst on holiday keeps prying eyes at bay, protects from uv, bird shttttt main cover protected rest of the year plastic covers for good to protect screens a bit from impact damage.

lakelandterrier · 17 September 2016, 11:22

I had a covers with both my SH1500, and Garmin 556 plotter.
Useful to keep muck away when either tied up overnight or if stored without a cover, and bit of added protection in winter.

Hadn't thought about instrument covers or lack of them on the electronicson the new boat.

Iron Dials · 17 September 2016, 16:50

I just bought a €50 fabric console cover off eBay.
I run some line around it on the console a few times so that it doesn't blow away (and tie the covers own line to a heavy fender).
It is a little agricultural but keeps all the wind driven rain and other stuff off the electronics.