Marine Radio

NoRegrets · 07-08-2010, 07:52 PM

We use our marine radio all the time. We hear calls to the marine patrol, Tow boats, and many conversations on various channels. Our group of friends choose a channel and we call to verify rafting positions. Our marina monitors channel 14 so we can call if there are issues. One of our friends did not have a radio so we chipped in and bought him a protable one and it works well. Very effective to gather for outings and organizing cruises. We also can call out bone-heads. We leave our radios on until the last boat arrives in their slip.

I guess I must be a part of the "no one" group that never uses the radio.

NoRegrets · 07-08-2010, 07:57 PM

jsa3107,

I responded quickly to the thread and just realized you are the person looking to buy a new boat. I saw your question on insurance so I assume you may have made the purchase or getting close to one. I am impressed how you are progressing in researching all aspects of boating. I hope to see what decision you have made.

NoRegrets!

jsa3107 · 07-08-2010, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoRegrets

jsa3107,

I responded quickly to the thread and just realized you are the person looking to buy a new boat. I saw your question on insurance so I assume you may have made the purchase or getting close to one. I am impressed how you are progressing in researching all aspects of boating. I hope to see what decision you have made.

NoRegrets!

I am close, and am looking to get all the information before I pull the trigger
This forum has helped alot
Sad to say the 3 dealers I have talked to seem to be limited in what the salesman knows or at least what time they are willing to give me or both....
But with this forum I am getting most questions answered
Thanks to all again......

Dave R · 07-08-2010, 09:37 PM

I think you should use the boat salesperson solely for the sale. Get answers elsewhere, like here.

25 watt helm unit with a 3 dB antenna is a good choice for a smaller boat on Winnipesaukee. A taller, 6 dB antenna gives you more range on flat water, but if you break down and get beam-to some swells, the rolling will affect the performance of the 6 dB antenna more than the 3 dB due to the flatter lobe of the 6 dB unit.

jrc · 07-08-2010, 08:00 PM

I have a handheld that works pretty well. Mostly good for eavesdropping on fisherman. They know people listen, so they fib.

Cell coverage is pretty good on the lake, so people feel safe without a radio. It's around a $100 for a decent handheld, cheap insurance.

Silver Duck · 07-08-2010, 08:20 PM

The MP boats may not carry or listen to VHF, but MP Headquarters certainly does; I've spoken with them several times! So, if you need to reach an MP boat concerning a problem, you can do so via MP Headquarters.

However, if you want to be fairly certain of getting through to the MP from anywhere on the lake, I'd strongly recommend the 25 watt unit with a full-size (8 ft.) antenna.

Silver Duck

07-08-2010, 08:20 PM	#6
Silver Duck Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Billerica, MA Posts: 364 Thanks: 40 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Not entirely accurate The MP boats may not carry or listen to VHF, but MP Headquarters certainly does; I've spoken with them several times! So, if you need to reach an MP boat concerning a problem, you can do so via MP Headquarters. However, if you want to be fairly certain of getting through to the MP from anywhere on the lake, I'd strongly recommend the 25 watt unit with a full-size (8 ft.) antenna. Silver Duck

07-08-2010, 07:52 PM	#1
NoRegrets Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hudson - NH Posts: 408 Thanks: 233 Thanked 212 Times in 88 Posts	We use our marine radio all the time. We hear calls to the marine patrol, Tow boats, and many conversations on various channels. Our group of friends choose a channel and we call to verify rafting positions. Our marina monitors channel 14 so we can call if there are issues. One of our friends did not have a radio so we chipped in and bought him a protable one and it works well. Very effective to gather for outings and organizing cruises. We also can call out bone-heads. We leave our radios on until the last boat arrives in their slip. I guess I must be a part of the "no one" group that never uses the radio.

07-08-2010, 07:57 PM	#2
NoRegrets Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hudson - NH Posts: 408 Thanks: 233 Thanked 212 Times in 88 Posts	jsa3107, I responded quickly to the thread and just realized you are the person looking to buy a new boat. I saw your question on insurance so I assume you may have made the purchase or getting close to one. I am impressed how you are progressing in researching all aspects of boating. I hope to see what decision you have made. NoRegrets!

07-08-2010, 09:37 PM	#4
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 744 Times in 444 Posts	I think you should use the boat salesperson solely for the sale. Get answers elsewhere, like here. 25 watt helm unit with a 3 dB antenna is a good choice for a smaller boat on Winnipesaukee. A taller, 6 dB antenna gives you more range on flat water, but if you break down and get beam-to some swells, the rolling will affect the performance of the 6 dB antenna more than the 3 dB due to the flatter lobe of the 6 dB unit.

07-08-2010, 08:00 PM	#5
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	I have a handheld that works pretty well. Mostly good for eavesdropping on fisherman. They know people listen, so they fib. Cell coverage is pretty good on the lake, so people feel safe without a radio. It's around a $100 for a decent handheld, cheap insurance.