Shouting and Finding !!

[Bootneck]

Hi,

I have a small RIB, just fitting it out for coastal work.

Can anyone suggest a good combination of handheld VHF radio and handheld Marine GPS for East and South coast.

Whats more the cheapest place to but them from..

Thanks

[benc]

I was lookign at www.marinesuperstore.co.uk earlier today, seems to have some good special offers on at the moment

[Nasher]

The marine superstore at Port Solent do often have some good deals on, and I've brought stuff there after shopping around. And they are open late most nights and Sundays.

BUT, they make it such hard work, unless you ask the manager or the lady that works there the rest of the staff look at you as if to say "how dare you ask a question" thats if you can find one of them. They all look like staurday boys that work all week. Mostly if you need help with the electronic kit you have to search around for ages, find one of the boys, who reluctantly goes searching for the manager who does then give a good explanation and service.

Just my opinion, but I have walked out several times after waiting 5 mins to find somebody to help me.

Nasher.

[Bootneck]

Thanks for the info, however has anyone any opinions on a good couple of handheld VHF and GPS

thanks

[Nos4r2]

Don't buy handheld GPS or VHF if you can help it-if there's any way you can fit fixed units then do so.
Handheld GPS units eat batteries and handheld VHF are a false economy with very little range in comparison to a fixed set.
Buy a 2nd hand fixed unit instead.

[Davellis]

I agree, go for fixed units. I bought a Cobra DSC VHF from Quay West I think for just over £100 and it's waterproof and works a treat. Hand held is fine for emergency but range is really limited. GPS units are cheap enough and my advice is avoid too many extras that you'll never use like a zillion waypoints!
They are dead easy to install, I'm useless at DIY but I even managed to wire up the GPS to the radio so the DSC stuff works.

Good luck.

[Northern Tim]

Hi Bootneck,
I also have a small rib (just 3.5m - don't laugh). It's a pull start engine and very little stowage under the console, so I don't have power, consequently I have gone for handhelds. I agree with the other guys that fixed are better, but I don't have enough room.

I have a Garmin GPSmap76 and an Icom M1euroV radio. I haven't been able to test them much yet this year, but feel free to PM me if you want some more info.

Tim.

[ian parkes]

Just started looking myself for a handheld VHF . In a small boat I don't want to have a battery charging from the outboard .

Iam confused by the choice , seems even the dearest is only about 140 quid .
The main thing for me is power , the dearer models have rechargable hi tech batteries , but the cheaper ones use rechargable AA batteries .

As I only want ir for emergencies I figure so long as the radio has about 5 watts power ,which seems to be about the max for handheld, one that takes AA bateries is an advantage as I can always carry a pack of duracells in my emergencey bag so it should always work .
Next choice is waterproof model or bag .
The little midland radio looks compact and fits my bill are they any good

[Northern Tim]

Ian,
just be aware that the Midland radios may not necessarily be CE marked. Double check that it also has European channels as it is an American brand.
(This has been discussed on here a few times before).

I personally would go for waterproof, however an aquapac should protect most anyway. You could always go for waterproof and a bag just to be sure!

<quote>I figure so long as the radio has about 5 watts power ,which seems to be about the max for handheld</quote>
The new icom (M71, I think) has 6 watts.

Tim

[ian parkes]

Thanks Tim will look for that . Its a minefield for me and I probably wont use it much if at all , I just feel I should have one with the family aboard .