Vhf....

[Tim M]

I want to get a VHF radio for my boat - a fixed one, which looks nice with lots of bottons etc.
I've booked me self on a RYA course, so now really just need to buy the radio. I did a search on the forum, and found a link to a site which sells radios. I have found on in the "just like new" section of the site. The radio I like is new, but the page says it doesn't transmit on channels 81 and 83. (Hence the $79 price) Knowing nothing about radios, I don't know whether this will be a problem. Does anyone actually use these channels???
Any help would be appreciated.

[Biggles]

Tim

Could you point me in the direction of that web site please. I wouldn't mind a fixed Radio for $79.

Cheers Nick

[Tim M]

http://www.uniden.com/store/itemdetail.cfm?item=B-MC535
If you check out the "just like new" marine radios there's a choice of three; two are $79. Postage is $10 plus a surchurge for this country. I worked out it still going to be cheap! I'm on the verge of ordering, but would like to know about with channel 81/83 thing.....

[Tim M]

I just checked it out, and channels 81 and 83 on the International VHF are for the coast guard. Does this mean without these one is rather stuck? (I noticed there are other coast guard channels). Or, are these ones the CG uses to communicate with it's self?

[Richard B]

Tim, although the channel 81 / 83 issue shouldn't be a major problem as far as I know, I'd advise caution here. Almost certainly the units won't be CE marked or "ships wheel" marked and so won't be type approved for UK use. There's some more information if you do a search on "Uniden" with some very useful stuff posted by Jools.

I dunno, you spend thousands on boats, engines, etc then you buy cheap life jackets and VHFs. What next... cheap flares?

Remember, you get what you pay for!

[The Jackeens]

Originally Posted by Richard B

cheap flares?

I've got a pair from the sixties. They don't fit any more tho' so no good for the boat either !!!

Missus

[David Hickman]

81 & 83 are used for the transmission of local marine safety information (weather and navigation warnings etc). So you may miss out on hearing a new gale warning.
Is it Type approved for the UK? If not the radio communication agency can fine and remove non compliant equipment.
What is it breaks down, where do you return it to?
You can can a VHF/DSC unti for £199.00 fully compliant.
If you buy cheao you get cheap!

Just something to think about.

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by The Jackeens

I've got a pair from the sixties. They don't fit any more tho' so no good for the boat either !!!

Wot, not even as a flag for the prop? Or do you only use underwear for that??

[Tim M]

After searching some more, I think the gereral opinion is that these American radios can't be approved for (legal) use in this country.
Such a shame - only £50!!!
Looks like I'm going to be paying triple that now!

[Richard B]

Bear in mind that once you had paid for delivery and the duty (prob. plus shipping co. admin fee for paying the duty) you would have been up to £100.

[The Jackeens]

(It was a dressing gown sleeve. Pay attention Rich!!! And I've told you before I don't know where he got it. But we're respectable these days as some very kind NWRibsters gave us an orange bag. It might've been for my head but we're now using it for the prop. Which brings us back on track here!!!!!!Don't forget a bag for the prop (or a dressing gown sleeve in neon shades if you're stuck!!!!!)
Missus (bang go the green spots now ))

Can you wait till you've done the radio course before buying the radio Tim? As the instructor (s) should be up-to-date on the latest everything...

MISSUS

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by The Jackeens

wait till you've done the radio course before buying the radio Tim? As the instructor (s) should be up-to-date on the latest everything...

Exactly.

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by The Jackeens

some very kind NWRibsters gave us an orange bag....we're now using it for the prop....

Did you buy any of the boat yourselves?? Where did the engine and hull come from... I now know where the prop bag and the ropes came from... I'm getting suspicious about the rest of it

[The Jackeens]

Stop it!!!!


People will think we're dodgy

Missus

[Tim M]

I'll bear that in mind when I handing over my hard earned cash!

[tim griffin]

Hi Tim
if you are doing a vhf course it will include DSC , look around on the threads and buy the best vhf dsc you can, sometimes its better to bite the bullet and pay for a bona fide radio remember it can save your life , if you get into trouble,and would be a shame if you bought the too good to be true bargain
that packs up as soon as you need it.(ps how was your trip to the ISLE DE BLANC did you get past customs ok)
regards tim
www.griffmarineservices.co.uk

[Tim M]

I havn't been the Isle yet (end of this month). I did find somewhere to stay in the end though: The Lake hotel in Ventnor (I think). Apparently the owner has/had a RIB so will let me keep it there overnight.

I found a DSC radio for about £180. It's a NASA. Looks OK, so I think I'll go with that.

Just out of interest Tim, do you run an RYA Radio Course? If so, how much do you charge?

[tim griffin]

yes we do but cant post as not really the done thing phone no is on the website for my instructor, contact him direct as course is coming up soon.
regards tim
www.griffmarineservices.co.uk

[Tim M]

Right.
I think I'll stick with mine anyway - it's only five minutes down the road. The only problem is the guy couldn't give me an exact date - he says when it gets booked up (6 people) he will run the course!

[The Jackeens]

Originally Posted by timofengland

Right.
The only problem is the guy couldn't give me an exact date - he says when it gets booked up (6 people) he will run the course!

Someone's got to be able to do better than that for you...there are so many centres...
If you're really stuck we can recommend our instructor (he's probably in therapy tho')

Missus