Need Opinions on VHFs

BlewByYou88

BlewByYou88

Member
Jul 24, 2010
963
Arizona
Boat Info
268 Sea Ray Sundancer 1988
Engines
2X 4.3L 4bbl Mercs w/ Alphas
I think my Standard Horizon that came with my 88 268 DA finally took a turn for the worst, its no longer tansmitting and incoming calls are weak even from close distances. :smt009

So, without starting a huge debate. I just want to know the facts. Who has bought something they are truly happy with and why?

Obviously I'm going to look deep into anything I get first, but I would just like some opinions. I'm not to overly concerned about cost because I want to make sure I get a good one. I do plan on doing some seaward journey's so I'm guessing I should look into something with AIS?

CHeers! :thumbsup:
 
Don't waste your money on a Raymarine radio. I am happy with the Northstar NS100, it seems as if Standard Horizon offers the best quality radio for the $$$.
 
Your problems could be from a poor or corroded ground, positive or antenna connection. I would check them before spending hundreds on a replacement VHF because having a Standard radio fail is unusual.

If you do go shopping, stick with proven serious marine radios and buy another Standard or an ICOM.
 
Well, this STandard may have been slightly beaten and battered. Its in rough shape. Plus I like having a reason to get new upgraded toys, when something quits working, I feel justified in buying something newer.
 
I generally dislike most of the Raymarine VHF's i've encountered from a durability, quality, and especially ease of use standpoint.

My one experience with Standard was fine, but it was a long time ago.
Icom is supposed to be one of the best out there, but I have no firsthand experience. If Garmin makes VHFs that are as reliable and easy to use as their GPS systems, I'd gladly own one.
 
Why don't you guys like the RM rasios? Other than dried mic cord, which cost me $47 to replace I have no complaints. My 240DA had SH and I can't think of much features that would make it a better radio over RM.
 
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We've had good luck with our Icom. Good fidelity and you can listen to traffic by holding the mic with a built in speaker next to your ear to better understand what people are saying when you are underway in rough water without having to slow down.
 
sbw1 said:
....listen to traffic by holding the mic with a built in speaker next to your ear to better understand what people are saying when you are underway in rough water without having to slow down.
Click to expand...

RM unit has the same feature and I use it as you describe when necessary. However, I would never think of slowing down just so I can hear the VHF better, worst case I raise the valume a bit.
 
Raymarine radios typically cause problems. Of roughly 100 boats in the water in our marina, all Sea Rays, about 75 have had Raymarine radios, mics or cord sets replaced.

It is an incidious problem too........you can have a conversation with someone nearby and everything seems fine, but once you get off shore 5 miles, nobody can hear you and your signal doesn't even show up on a DF receiver. I just want better reliability when my family is along for the ride. I feel so strongly about VHf's being apiece of safety gear that I have 2 fixed mount 25W VHF's, a B&G and a Standard, plus I have a Standard handheld.
 
Thanks for good info, Frank. Even though I didn't have this issue, I'd still say it's a big turn off when thinking to upgrade the VHF. I agree that mic's cord seams to be a comon issue from seeing number of posts here. So, between two issues now for RM I guess it's time to choose SH or something else.
 
I'm leaning right now of going back with what has held up so well all these years the SH however, I am actually a little interested in some of the Garmin equipment. Ecspecially some of their chartplotter/fish finders/radar screens. Thats all a matter of time and money. To be without a VHF though is my biggest prority. I would be hesitant though on Garmin VHFs because I haven't heard anything about them. Hopefully someone will chime in with some info.

I wouldn't go the RM route either, all the years I have been aroud boats, I have yet to meet anyone who is really happy with any of their RM equipment.
 
Year after year, Powerboat Reports tested VHF radios and every single time whether fixed mounted or hand held, Icom was #1 closely followed by Standard. Every other brands performance was far behind, except for Uniden and the other crappy brands.
 
Being in the marine business, I deal with many vendors and when there is deals to be had, I jump on them. I just installed a New Standard GX 3000s on my 85 26 260da. No AIS on this discontinued model but it is a Commercial Grade VHF with a Class D DSC, Built-in 30 Watt Hailer with listen back, pre-programmed fog signals, siren, horn, aground whisle, speaker/mike with channel change buttons,oversized rotary knob for changing the channel, huge led display,ect.
Also able to hook up a Ram+ remote access microphone or handset. This is my second Standard as I have a Standard Spectrum w/ Hailer on my 2001 Maritime Skiff Pioneer. 8yrs and no issues on that one. I have access to all the brands but I stick with proven quality. Almost any commercial boat I've been on has Icom or Standard vhf's.
I have 2 of these available.
Capt.Matt
 
Maritime Matt said:
Being in the marine business, I deal with many vendors and when there is deals to be had, I jump on them. I just installed a New Standard GX 3000s on my 85 26 260da. No AIS on this discontinued model but it is a Commercial Grade VHF with a Class D DSC, Built-in 30 Watt Hailer with listen back, pre-programmed fog signals, siren, horn, aground whisle, speaker/mike with channel change buttons,oversized rotary knob for changing the channel, huge led display,ect.
Also able to hook up a Ram+ remote access microphone or handset. This is my second Standard as I have a Standard Spectrum w/ Hailer on my 2001 Maritime Skiff Pioneer. 8yrs and no issues on that one. I have access to all the brands but I stick with proven quality. Almost any commercial boat I've been on has Icom or Standard vhf's.
I have 2 of these available.
Capt.Matt
Click to expand...

Well, the one I have has lasted 22 years, so I give props to SH. Most commercial vessels I have been on use Furuno.
 
i have the Uniden UM-625 fixed mount station along with the submersible remote handheld. you can use the 2 as an intercom (great from bridge to salon) or regular 2-way comms. works well. but if I was buying new, I'd go ICOM or Standard too.
 
Little late in seeing this lol Captain Matt is right on with the GX300s....same radio here.....tied to a SH plotter and WM AIS....
Standard Horizon is my choice......they are Yeasu......make a fine amature radio.....and never had a problem with mine......ICOM is my choice for portable....
cheers
 
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kg4vgh said:
Little late in seeing this lol Captain Matt is right on with the GX300s....same radio here.....tied to a SH plotter and WM AIS....
Standard Horizon is my choice......they are Yeasu......make a fine amature radio.....and never had a problem with mine......ICOM is my choice for portable....
cheers
Click to expand...


Ahhh, its not to late. Since my radio died at the end of the season, I haven't ben in a huge rush to purchase my new one. Money is a little tight right now and I have big plans for next year. RIght now my heart has officialy been set on the SH Matrix 2100 with AIS.:smt001
 
We'll have to wait and see what Santa brings this year, hopefully he can remember my huge list of part numbers! :grin:
 
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