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+--- Thread: What marine radio to buy? (/showthread.php?tid=772273)
What marine radio to buy? - HATH - 09-19-2012
I'm looking to get a good/basic/affordable radio to keep on my boat in case of emergencies (especially while at Powell). Any suggestions? I'd prefer a hand held so that I don't have to drill into anything on my boat. I just need something that'll "save my life in a pinch". I'm not opposed to buying used. Let me know if you've got one laying around that you don't need anymore (for the right price, anything can sell[:p])
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Re: [HATH] What marine radio to buy? - mtncat1 - 09-20-2012
hand held are nice, but for powell you should go with a reg. marine radio,hand helds are limited to 5watts power where as a standard radio set has 15watts ,also has a much better antena. just some thing to think about,ps when you need it you won,t wish you had the cheaper one.hope this helps tight lines.[fishin]
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Re: [mtncat1] What marine radio to buy? - fsh4fun05 - 09-20-2012
Good question. I've been wondering about getting one for my boat. I have a radio that I've never used and was thinking about replacing it with a marine radio or cb or whatever the proper term is. Do you need to install an antenna for it to work properly or has technology put that inside the unit? (Like built in gps sonar) I've got a spot above the driver side glove box where the radio is that I'm sure I can put one in but I honestly don't know anything about them.
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Re: [HATH] What marine radio to buy? - wyoguy - 09-20-2012
I agree that the hand held radios don't have the range you need for Powell or other large lakes. The brand that has the most bang for the buck is Standard. There are several models you should find one in your price range. I think Cabela's handles them.
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Re: [HATH] What marine radio to buy? - high_n_dry - 09-20-2012
I have a Uniden and the range is poor at best. Even the line of site range is pretty poor, and I have a good Shakespeare Antenna. Unfortunately most are made in China, and probably in the same factory with the same parts.
Sad thing about marine radios is they are basically line of site communication devices. If you are in a canyon like at Lake Powell or behind mountains you are very limited on who you can reach. Bad weather plays a big part as well.
Definitely do some more research before you commit and share with us what you find out. I might upgrade mine if I can find a better unit with good range.
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Re: [high_n_dry] What marine radio to buy? - mtncat1 - 09-21-2012
i've had good luck with both lowrance and icom,then i use an 8 foot antena,seems to get out and receive real well.
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Re: [mtncat1] What marine radio to buy? - Bigben32 - 09-21-2012
Forget lal that and get your ham license. If 14 year old boy scouts can, you can to. With a little radio like a Yaesu VX-7R you can speak to all over the Wasatch front and mountains with the right repeaters.
Yes you can still get all the marine channels you need.
If anyone has more questions on ham let me know, I love getting others into the hobby and helping them pick out the right gear for home, boating, camping, emergency prep, etc.
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Re: [HATH] What marine radio to buy? - ocean - 09-21-2012
I would go with a lowrance marine radio thats what i have on my boat and it reaches a long distance and i dont have a huge antenna.Nice thing about it is you can take it off when your done fishing so it doesnt get stolen.
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