VHF communication...

[slo-mo]

With a banner NWCBC 2010 season approaching I have been pondering the appropriate equipment to make communication during on-water events a no-brainer. The extent of my two-way experience comes from walkie-talkies, (pre-Nextel) job site radios and of course Smokey and the Bandit: Breakabreak gotchyourearson, 10-4 good buddy, going code 7, etc.

We have purchased a 25 watt VHF radio and 8' whip for our Bell Boy Express that will be used on the Sound (or Salish Sea, if you prefer). For our lake boats, I am considering a hand-held 2-5 watt. Is this overkill? Are cell phones used more often? Can they be heard regardless; over the din of our powerplants@full song?

I know that the club has a VHF class scheduled??? Thought this would be a good conversation for the uninitiated like myself.......OVER!

[Marty Loken (Norseboater)]

VHF Radios

Greg -

In my experience, handheld VHFs work great for almost all of our club events, since we're usually fairly close to each other and, maybe more importantly, there's nothing louder than the squawk of a VHF set to high volume.

While most members also carry cell phones, I don't think I've ever once picked up a cell call while running at speed; I never hear the thing, and end up calling the party back after shutting down the engine and realizing there are messages. (And that's with the volume turned up and vibrator on. I'm obviously not only old and deaf, but increasingly numb, too.)

- Marty

[Lootas1]

I vote for VHF. I got a handheld for Christmas. Haven't charged the batteries yet. Presently have no one to talk to.
Jerry

[Skagitguy]

Greg -

In my experience, handheld VHFs work great for almost all of our club events, since we're usually fairly close to each other.

While most members also carry cell phones, I don't think I've ever once picked up a cell call while running at speed; I never hear the thing, and end up calling the party back after shutting down the engine and realizing there are messages. (And that's with the volume turned up and vibrator on.
- Marty

I agree with Marty on the cel phone problems posted above. Another thing i have heard if you call outside of your area code , the CG could be looking for you in the wrong area code if you don't tell them where you are. That's where the GPS comes in handy. For the Skagit ( when it is done ) and G-3 i have the portable VHF and the built in one on the Farallon with a 8' antenna. Chuck

[Skagitguy]

Jerry, Did your VHF come with a charger stand ? Chuck

[Helmar]

Good choice.
You have quite a bit more range with that package.

VHF is the way to go.

I have a cell phone, ham radio and the marine VHF that I keep around.

[Lootas1]

Yah Chuck, you need one? I have one for my 15 year old Icom that still works (in fact the radio works fine in the charger but I can't find batteries for it anymore).

[slo-mo]

10-4...

Roger that: Handheld it is! ....Over


Thanks all for your input, Jerry you crack me up.