How often do you use your VHF

Descant · 05-14-2016, 12:26 PM

I monitor Ch 16 most of the time, although hearing is not top notch at cruising speeds. Like moist, I don't expect a problem, but maybe somebody else will call for assistance, usually at a lower level than a Mayday. For most use on the lake, i.e. line of sight, boat to boat, the handheld is totally OK. Good decsion on your part, RT. In a while, if you find yourself talking to others on ch 68 and losing signal, or battery, you may want to get a mounted unit. Your new VHF may have the ability to plug into a mounted antenna, that would improve range. The option to plug into the boat's power system, is nice. Emphasis on the word option, since we know from other threads that you can plug in and use too much stuff and drain your battery. Then you'll need your independent handheld to call for a jump start since the mounted unit will have no juice.

05-14-2016, 12:26 PM	#6
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,461 Thanks: 1,376 Thanked 1,654 Times in 1,082 Posts	Vhf I monitor Ch 16 most of the time, although hearing is not top notch at cruising speeds. Like moist, I don't expect a problem, but maybe somebody else will call for assistance, usually at a lower level than a Mayday. For most use on the lake, i.e. line of sight, boat to boat, the handheld is totally OK. Good decsion on your part, RT. In a while, if you find yourself talking to others on ch 68 and losing signal, or battery, you may want to get a mounted unit. Your new VHF may have the ability to plug into a mounted antenna, that would improve range. The option to plug into the boat's power system, is nice. Emphasis on the word option, since we know from other threads that you can plug in and use too much stuff and drain your battery. Then you'll need your independent handheld to call for a jump start since the mounted unit will have no juice.