Is the Coast Guard monitoring VHF DSC in Big Bend area?

[Tom Keels]

I said in my opinion Unidens are not very good. Everyone of them I have come across has been junk. They may be the best radio on the market now (again in someone's opinion), I don't know.

About the antenna. The Galaxy 5225-XT is the best 8 foot antenna Shakespeare makes. I don't think anyone will argue that.

I've installed and used electronics on A LOT of boats. Everything I've said in the past and will in the future is based on my own experiences with them. When I say I like furuno, its because I have experience with them. When I say I like Garmin, its because I have experience with them. When I say I don't like something, its because I have experience with them. Yes its an opinion but it is a qualified one.

[GC]

Karst,
I've got the exact radio and antenna setup that you are looking at. And, have it hooked to a Garmin fixed mount GPS. No, problems so far. Wasn't hard to install.....clear reception.....good distance.....I mainly use the weather channel....very nice!!

I've had Unidens in my last few trucks also (Cheap one's <$40).......no problems and they got plenty of use........just don't key it up with a 4-wheeler touching the antenna.....

[Knot Tester]

KarstRanger........

I have a 21' Bayliner with I/O so I have a 3' draft with the motor down which should be pretty close to your boat. I would not consider going out of St. Marks with that kind of draft. There is nothing worse than being 2 miles out in the Gulf and stuck on the ground. Especially when you are aware of just how many under 4' sharks are around ! (answer: plenty)

I go out of PC Beach, Carrabelle, and Cedar Key. The only reason I don't go out of Steinhatchee is I just ain't gonna pay $10 for lift down and $10 for lift out every day. Not being a self bailing boat, I do not leave my boat in the water overnight.

You have more offshore capability than you think. If the weather is calm (under 2'), 20 miles off is not pushing it. That would be the K tower from Carrabelle.

I have a handheld VHF and can pick up the Coast Guard just fine at that distance but know you have me wondering if they can hear me

Anyone know if its OK to do a radio check to the Coast Guard on ch. 16 or should you pick another ch????

[KarstRanger]

Knot Tester - I would like to hear about doing a radio check to the Coast Guard also. Sort of like a pre-flight inspection, it only makes sense.

Is there no public ramp(s) in Steinhatchee? I have a house trailer about 30 miles north of there (near town of Mayo) where I plan to keep the boat when I am back up here in Atlanta, so Steinhatchee is the closest place to put in for me, I think.

No, getting stuck or losing a prop is not my cup of tea either. Do most people carry a spare prop for off-shore boating in our size boats? I never worried about this on the lakes up here, you can paddle to shore and call somebody to come get you on the cell phone.

[dstockwell]

Knot Tester - I would like to hear about doing a radio check to the Coast Guard also. Sort of like a pre-flight inspection, it only makes sense.

No don't do that. CG does not do radio checks, and if you call them for that the will let you know. Get checks with the marina, or just ask for a check and someone will answer.

Is there no public ramp(s) in Steinhatchee? I have a house trailer about 30 miles north of there (near town of Mayo) where I plan to keep the boat when I am back up here in Atlanta, so Steinhatchee is the closest place to put in for me, I think.

Steinhatchee Boat Ramp, Valentine Rd. & CR358 on the Steinhatchee River. There is one across from SeaHag Marina, Jena boat ramp of St Hwy 358

[Tidedancer]

Here is a little info on the DSC and MMSI deal. The coast guard does monitor the DSC for distress calls.

But I have found out that a lot of folks that look at the little red "DISTRESS BUTTON" on their radio are in for a surprise if they use it.

If you have your MMSI number installed in your radio and the radio is connected to your GPS correctly, then the Calvary will come to your rescue. Or any other DSC equipped boat in your area that gets the signal and responds to your call.

If you don't have a MMSI number for your boat and it is not installed in the radio and it is not connected to the GPS. Press that little red button all you want and nothing is going to happen.

FYI

[slayer]

I have the Uniden Ocenus DSC radio matched with a shakespear 5101 8' antenna, and havent had any problems as of yet......

[Tidedancer]

I have the Uniden Ocenus DSC radio matched with a shakespear 5101 8' antenna, and havent had any problems as of yet......

Do you have your MMSI # for your boat installed in the radio and is it connected to your GPS?

[Harmsway]

I wonder how one goes about testing the DSC function? Sure would like to know it works correctly, but wouldn't want the Cavalry to show up.

[DeanMac]

I think the Standard Horison HX850S handheld has the feature and is self contained. I saw it online for $179