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Which to get? Will one of the more powerfull handheld radios reach as far as the stationary models?
Say if I'm stranded around Aucilla/Ecofina, and need to call Towboat or CG?
I was looking at Cabelas.

Help

Some good reading.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/conte ... radio.html

I'm using this one. The radio can be mounted any where in the boat. All you see is the mic.

http://www.standardhorizon.com/indexVS. ... Archived=0

Yup, I agree on Standard Horizon. Got a stationary one and a handheld.

As for Econfina, I can easily talk to Seatow and Keaton Beach marina. There used to be a Base station radio at the store at Econfina, but I have not heard them in the last year or so. I have also relayed traffic for a boat out about 20 miles to a Towboat US up near St Marks.

Also, get a handheld antenna adapter if you use it for a backup. Hooking it up to your boat antenna will probably double the range of it from the rubber duck antenna.

Get the models with DSC. Be sure and get a MMSI number and register it. Could save your arse someday.

http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/

Dubble

Note that your VHF radio is only half of the equation here. Don't shortchange yourself by not researching out a quality antenna and a good mounting location on your boat - e.g., away from other electrical interference.

Here's a link to antenna info:

VHF Antenna

I have two Uniden Handhelds. One gets AM/FM/FRS/AIR/VHF/Weather and has a 3 year warranty for 199 and I have a Uniden Stationary that recieves the S.A.M.E. and it transmits my boat information if I hit the MOB button. I set that up at Towboat US.

Thanks everyone. Y'all have helped me.