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VHF Marine Radios
The non-handheld radios typically transmit longer distances. Check the wattage of a radio to help determine how far it can transmit; 25W is the highest available (about 3.7-29 mile range). Handheld three or five watt radios transmit shorter distances. The distance varies greatly depending upon the antenna and various conditions. An advantage of handheld radios is that they do not require an external antenna to be purchased, set up, and connected.
The radio’s transmitter uses more electricity to transmit longer distances, which is of greater concern if it’s running on batteries. Power can be conserved by using a VHF radio with a control that allows users to turn down the wattage for short distance communications. A few marine radio models (like the Standard Horizon STD-HX370S) even have multiple wattage settings.
Icom IC-M88 Handheld Radio
Some radios offer a “Public Address” feature which allows for voice amplification through the microphone and an attached speaker, for when radio contact is not possible. Many VHF marine radios receive the NOAA weather band, a good source of marine weather information and alerts. A few radios also cover bands typically used for land purposes, like LMR (Icom IC-M88) or GMRS (Cobra MR HH425LI VP).
Radio brands include Midland, Uniden, Garmin, and Eagle. Boaters can purchase them from Radio Shack, Wal-Mart, Sears, West Marine, and various online retailers. The cost will vary depending upon features, range, retailer, and brand. Some cost hundreds of dollars new, others as little as $45. Used VHF marine radios are also an option; CraigsList is one place where boaters can find them.
In addition to proper installation, there’s a few steps boaters should take after buying such a radio. With new or old VHF marine radios, it’s a good idea to test the radio to make sure it transmits and receives properly, before leaving shore. Some boat operators need a license and/or permit to use one of these radios; this may be necessary for boaters who travel internationally, have large boats, or use their vessels for non-recreational purposes.
Marine VHF radios have many uses; requesting boat towing, making distress calls, receiving warnings of severe conditions, communicating with marinas, asking for navigational assistance, preventing collisions, and so on. The E-Marina directory provides information on specific channels to use when communicating with a certain marina by radio.
Alternatives to VHF marine transceivers include UHF and HF (shortwave) models. Handheld CB and FRS radios offer a good option for communicating with someone onshore or another boat in a small to medium sized lake. To use a CB in a motorized boat, it is best to buy a model with ANL.
SOURCES:
1. Google Product Search
2. Amazon.com
3. Cobra
4. Statemaster
5. Federal Communications Commission
6. U.S. Coast Guard
