Radio Recommendations for Inshore
-
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Sat Apr 29, 2017 11:11 am
Radio Recommendations for Inshore
To outfit my [recently acquired 1965 Boston Whaler] Nauset 16, I'm looking for a radio. My needs are for--of course--emergency, to hail a fellow boater, and just stay in touch while on the water. Waters are lakes, inshore ocean, or very close to shore. Many thanks--Joe
Last edited by Fishdreamer on Wed Jun 14, 2017 9:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Fishdreamer
1965 Nauset
2003 Suzuki 70
1965 Nauset
2003 Suzuki 70
Re: Radio Recommendations for Inshore
This thread has been moved to SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL for discussion. SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL contains advice on VHF Marine Band DSC Class-D radios.
Read the article linked below and follow its links to more information regarding installation of a VHF Marine Band radio. There are many elements to consider other than the particular radio model to buy:
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/refere ... ation.html
Here is a survey of VHF Marine Band DSC communication radios presently on the market:
http://continuouswave.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=460
On a 16-footer I would get a radio with its own internal GNSS receiver to simplify installation. I find Standard-Horizon radios to be an excellent choice due to their features, the factory support, their performance, and price.
For an antenna for a VHF Marine Band radio on a small boat, in my experience the best arrangement is the one I describe in the article in REFERENCE at
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/refere ... tenna.html
There is really nothing about "inshore" (which I assume means not more than 20 miles offshore at the farthest) that would change my recommendation for a VHF Marine Band radio. To not get a fixed-mount radio or to not get a DSC radio would be a mistake. By FCC regulations you must have a DSC radio that is at least Class-D. A Class-A radio would be inappropriate for a 16-footer, even if you did not mind the extravagant expense. The antenna I recommend is known to work extremely well--usually better than the often cited "8-foot" antenna. One reason why so many inquiries are made about what "8-foot" antenna is best is due to the existing "8-foot" antenna having broken due to the fiberglass housing having failed or having stuck some overhead obstruction.
Read the article linked below and follow its links to more information regarding installation of a VHF Marine Band radio. There are many elements to consider other than the particular radio model to buy:
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/refere ... ation.html
Here is a survey of VHF Marine Band DSC communication radios presently on the market:
http://continuouswave.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=460
On a 16-footer I would get a radio with its own internal GNSS receiver to simplify installation. I find Standard-Horizon radios to be an excellent choice due to their features, the factory support, their performance, and price.
For an antenna for a VHF Marine Band radio on a small boat, in my experience the best arrangement is the one I describe in the article in REFERENCE at
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/refere ... tenna.html
There is really nothing about "inshore" (which I assume means not more than 20 miles offshore at the farthest) that would change my recommendation for a VHF Marine Band radio. To not get a fixed-mount radio or to not get a DSC radio would be a mistake. By FCC regulations you must have a DSC radio that is at least Class-D. A Class-A radio would be inappropriate for a 16-footer, even if you did not mind the extravagant expense. The antenna I recommend is known to work extremely well--usually better than the often cited "8-foot" antenna. One reason why so many inquiries are made about what "8-foot" antenna is best is due to the existing "8-foot" antenna having broken due to the fiberglass housing having failed or having stuck some overhead obstruction.
-
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Sat Apr 29, 2017 11:11 am
Re: Radio Recommendations for Inshore
JIm--thank you for your response and sage advice here. I am currently awaiting delivery on the Standard Horizon GX 1700 radio and the mast and antenna set-up you have recommended.
I can't say enough regarding the tremendous level of support and information available here on this site that you manage.
Thank you again.
I can't say enough regarding the tremendous level of support and information available here on this site that you manage.
Thank you again.
Fishdreamer
1965 Nauset
2003 Suzuki 70
1965 Nauset
2003 Suzuki 70
Re: Radio Recommendations for Inshore
FISH'--I am sure you will have good results with the Standard-Horizon GX1700 radio and GAM SS-2 antenna. Just take proper care with installing the PL-259 connector onto the antenna transmission line. If you shorten the transmission line supplied with the ADAP-II mount, always leave several feet more than you think necessary. If for no other reason, you may have to re-install the PL-259 connector once or twice.
The GX1700 is a good choice as it has its own internal GPS receiver. Installation will be straightforward.
Thanks for the kind words about the website. They are much appreciated.
The GX1700 is a good choice as it has its own internal GPS receiver. Installation will be straightforward.
Thanks for the kind words about the website. They are much appreciated.