VHF Handhelds

jmart2601 · Post by **jmart2601** » July 16th, 2006, 9:43 pm

Have been fishing the flats but just bought my own boat.

Can anyone recommend a good, inexpensive VHF Handheld marine radio??? Several have told me fishing the flats one really doesn't need one...just use your cell phone, etc, etc... however I disagree. I"d rather be safe than sorry.

Thanks!

leonreno · Post by **leonreno** » July 16th, 2006, 11:01 pm

We use one that cost about $100 bucks (I think its a Standard Horizon) and it worked ok, we finally had a full size one installed and it works much better and has a lot more range. Do not count on your cell phone getting a signal or keeping its charge, etc.. plus cell phones are not water resistant and made for a saltwater environment, murphys law says when one needs the cell phone one's cell phone will not work. Plus a cell phone only calls a land based emergency office who then must call the coast guard etc.. A radio will call the coast gurard directly and/or any other boat in the vicinity. I think most hand held units are similar and have similar limitations, if you have any space on the boat get a cheap full size one, it will be better than an expensive hand held unit.

Post by **tin can** » July 17th, 2006, 8:54 am

What Leon said.

jmart2601 · Post by **jmart2601** » July 17th, 2006, 8:46 pm

Thanks guys! Sounds like "experience" talking...I appreciate the input/advice.