VHF Poll

[Weekend Pundit]

I must concur with many of the comments here. I have always had VHF on my boats over the years (and HF on the two sailboats I've crewed on) and it has been far more useful than a cell phone, particularly on the lake.

While I've had only one occasion to call for assistance while boating on the big lake (my boat lost its screw between Dockham Shore and Governor's Island), the VHF rig made it easier to call Tow Boat US and direct them to my exact location. Two calls on Channel 16 was all it took. That's a lot better and more immediate than having to go through their 800 number and waiting to be put through to the local Tow Boat operator.

When I'm at home I listen on Ch 16 with my scanner and I have to admit that if nothing else it can be...umm...amusing at times, particularly when someone calls for assistance because their boat has broken down but they don't know where they are! (Maybe we should add that if you have a VHF radio you should also have a chart and know how to read it!)