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Author Topic:   Radios - fixed or handheld

Prflyer1 posted 08-31-2005 05:02 PM ET (US)
Ok, I have a new (to me) 15 footer, I am deciding to install a fixed radio or buy a handheld. The fixed one has its pros and cons, and so does the handheld, my concern with the handheld is since it is a small rig, there is more chance of dropping it in the drink! (ocean) anyway give me your thoughts. Thanks!
Chuck Tribolet posted 08-31-2005 11:14 PM ET (US)
If your concern is something to call for help: fixed mount and
real antenna.
Me, I carry both types of radios.
The easiest way to NOT drop your handheld in the drink is to
not lean over the side while using it.

Chuck
Robob2003 posted 09-01-2005 02:03 PM ET (US)
I bought an Icom handheld because my boating is in Tampa Bay and I can reach anyone in the area for help.
One thing I considered, other than the minimal range I need is that if I had a fixed unit and the boat's battery went dead, I would be screwed if my cell phone didn't work.
If you're really concerned, buy both. It's cheap insurance.
Bob on Tampa Bay
Prflyer1 posted 09-01-2005 09:22 PM ET (US)
Chuck in a perfect world that would work, but as you know in boating, we are always moving around (even if the boat is not):) and I agree I should buy both eventually. BOB because of the battery issue I went out and bought the handheld, I had the same concern and you hit a nerve, I always have my cel, but because of my business a lot of the work is done by email on my cel and I am always draining the batteries. I probably send and receive 50 to 60 text or emails a day, plus calls. So I figure as BOB and went and bought a Handheld. On the 15 I will pretty much spend my time in the Eastern part of the Island cruising the small Island there, there are 4 Islands that get packed with Boaters every weekend. So I did my research and bought a Standard Horizon HX370S, seems like a nice unit, good warranty and comes with pretty much all the accesories available. Will keep posted how it goes..
Thanks
Dan
Chuck Tribolet posted 09-01-2005 11:15 PM ET (US)
The HX370 has a removeable antenna and can be attached to
a real antenna. That will substantially improve the range
and would be a good next step.
And you can charge the cell phone from the boat battery.

Chuck
Prflyer1 posted 09-03-2005 12:08 AM ET (US)
Yeah Chuck, it seemed like a noce unit, and yes definitly have to put a cel plug in the console :), tommorrow is my first day out on it, so it should be fun.
Thanks,
Danny
Will get some nice pics of Caribbean Sun, and of "jangeito" the Whaler's name, it means hanging out but in diminutive (is that how you spell that?)
Chuck Tribolet posted 09-04-2005 11:50 PM ET (US)
If you are going to install a cigratte light socket, get the
good locking Marinco socket.

Chuck

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Author	Topic: Radios - fixed or handheld
Prflyer1	posted 08-31-2005 05:02 PM ET (US) Ok, I have a new (to me) 15 footer, I am deciding to install a fixed radio or buy a handheld. The fixed one has its pros and cons, and so does the handheld, my concern with the handheld is since it is a small rig, there is more chance of dropping it in the drink! (ocean) anyway give me your thoughts. Thanks!
Chuck Tribolet	posted 08-31-2005 11:14 PM ET (US) If your concern is something to call for help: fixed mount and real antenna. Me, I carry both types of radios. The easiest way to NOT drop your handheld in the drink is to not lean over the side while using it. Chuck
Robob2003	posted 09-01-2005 02:03 PM ET (US) I bought an Icom handheld because my boating is in Tampa Bay and I can reach anyone in the area for help. One thing I considered, other than the minimal range I need is that if I had a fixed unit and the boat's battery went dead, I would be screwed if my cell phone didn't work. If you're really concerned, buy both. It's cheap insurance. Bob on Tampa Bay
Prflyer1	posted 09-01-2005 09:22 PM ET (US) Chuck in a perfect world that would work, but as you know in boating, we are always moving around (even if the boat is not):) and I agree I should buy both eventually. BOB because of the battery issue I went out and bought the handheld, I had the same concern and you hit a nerve, I always have my cel, but because of my business a lot of the work is done by email on my cel and I am always draining the batteries. I probably send and receive 50 to 60 text or emails a day, plus calls. So I figure as BOB and went and bought a Handheld. On the 15 I will pretty much spend my time in the Eastern part of the Island cruising the small Island there, there are 4 Islands that get packed with Boaters every weekend. So I did my research and bought a Standard Horizon HX370S, seems like a nice unit, good warranty and comes with pretty much all the accesories available. Will keep posted how it goes.. Thanks Dan
Chuck Tribolet	posted 09-01-2005 11:15 PM ET (US) The HX370 has a removeable antenna and can be attached to a real antenna. That will substantially improve the range and would be a good next step. And you can charge the cell phone from the boat battery. Chuck
Prflyer1	posted 09-03-2005 12:08 AM ET (US) Yeah Chuck, it seemed like a noce unit, and yes definitly have to put a cel plug in the console :), tommorrow is my first day out on it, so it should be fun. Thanks, Danny Will get some nice pics of Caribbean Sun, and of "jangeito" the Whaler's name, it means hanging out but in diminutive (is that how you spell that?)
Chuck Tribolet	posted 09-04-2005 11:50 PM ET (US) If you are going to install a cigratte light socket, get the good locking Marinco socket. Chuck