Time for a new VHF Radio

T

Tallahassee240Sundeck

New Member
Jul 31, 2007
207
Tallahassee, FL
Found out the VHF radio aint working today when I went to check the weather band. Tapped on it a couple time and it turned on for about a minute and then shut off again.

Not wanting to spend a ton, but willing to get something in the 200 - 300 range, but always excited about saving money also. Probably will replace antenna at same time since the base seems to be cracking from sun exposure.

Reading other threads, would I be better off getting a less expensive radio and a more expensive antenna? Any suggestions on set-up?

Thanks all for the input.
 
John give BOE a call, Jim will do you right. I like the Icom equipement and a 3db whip. You can spend a fortune on an antenna but 3db is 3db. Look for a post about antennas that several of us commented on. Good info there. Avoid plastic mounts on the antenna as you have found out. For a look at the radio I have look for a thread on installing a 540 and another one on antenna installation. Pictures a plenty
 
Where is your current one installed? I've not put one on yet but when I do I plan on getting something Jim at BOE recommended which was a blackbox that would go inside the storage area of the helm where the radio is on the 240SD and then have a small remote mic at the helm to save space at the helm and for easier install.

If you want the product name I'll have to find the email.
 
I see you all are on the coast. Might want to consider a DSC compatible VHF, particularly if you ever plan on adding a GPS unit to your boat, either as chartplotter or a combined fish unit.

Makes a great way to send a distress call should you ever need it, complete with your GPS location. Also you have an MMSI, but that's a whole 'nother level.
 
Currently, it is a gimbal mount at my right knee. I was thinking about flush mounting it in the same position, but the product you mention may work well. Keep in mind my 240 is 10 years older than yours, so the dash is different.
 
LtCdr. Augs said:
I see you all are on the coast. Might want to consider a DSC compatible VHF, particularly if you ever plan on adding a GPS unit to your boat, either as chartplotter or a combined fish unit.

Makes a great way to send a distress call should you ever need it, complete with your GPS location. Also you have an MMSI, but that's a whole 'nother level.
Click to expand...

Thank you!

I have the Garmin 440S... will need to do some research to see if that would work. The Icom M304 has the capability... which is what I am looking at right now.
 
PS2000 with a CMP25 which you can get white or black.

http://www.byownerelectronics.com/store/product.php?productid=17276&cat=0&page=1

http://www.byownerelectronics.com/store/product.php?productid=17277&cat=0&page=1

This is what I'm probably gonna go for and it does support DSC.

I have a Garmin 3205 GPS so it should hook up to it with ease.

The PS2000 would go in the storage area out of the way and then the CMP25 would be at the helm somewhere. You can even disconnect it and store it out of site so no one steals it.
 
It is a bigger challenge to find a radio w/o DSC than one with. They basically all have it now. You can get a MMSI # free on boatus.com, in fact everybody should do that. The PS2000 that Morpheus suggests is a great way to go. We actually have these w/mic for $175, so call to order instead of using the site.

Another great option would be a Standard Horizon Quest-X. Best bang for the buck on the market. This is my fav radio currently avail. They are $139.

An 8' antenna on a 24' Sundeck looks out of place in my opinion. I too would recommend a 3' whip. These are made by Shakespeare and Digital and cost about $50. Get a nice SS base to hold it too.
 
admin said:
It is a bigger challenge to find a radio w/o DSC than one with. They basically all have it now. You can get a MMSI # free on boatus.com, in fact everybody should do that. The PS2000 that Morpheus suggests is a great way to go. We actually have these w/mic for $175, so call to order instead of using the site.

Another great option would be a Standard Horizon Quest-X. Best bang for the buck on the market. This is my fav radio currently avail. They are $139.

An 8' antenna on a 24' Sundeck looks out of place in my opinion. I too would recommend a 3' whip. These are made by Shakespeare and Digital and cost about $50. Get a nice SS base to hold it too.
Click to expand...

I'll be calling as soon as I get the Admira's approval :) I've been thinking/hoping there was a way to change out the antenna easly so that when I'm close to shore I could use a 3' whip 3db antenna but then if I plan on going off shore I'd like to have a nice 8' 10db antenna for safty no matter how ugly it might be. Is there a way to change out the antenna easly? (just don't drop it in the water :grin: )
 
I have a Standard Horizon Quest (not Quest-X) on my dinghy and it has been very very abused bouncing on the water, wave jumping, staying out in the rain without a cover, covered with salt spray, etc. and it works great. I put a 4' fiberglass antenna on after we broke 2 metal whip antennas off from ski ropes passing over it... but I agree the small whips look better on a smaller boat.
 
You can easily switch antennas, just put a VHF antenna connector right near the antenna, so to switch you unplug one, remove the antenna, then plug in the other.
 
admin said:
It is a bigger challenge to find a radio w/o DSC than one with. They basically all have it now. You can get a MMSI # free on boatus.com, in fact everybody should do that. The PS2000 that Morpheus suggests is a great way to go. We actually have these w/mic for $175, so call to order instead of using the site.

Another great option would be a Standard Horizon Quest-X. Best bang for the buck on the market. This is my fav radio currently avail. They are $139.

An 8' antenna on a 24' Sundeck looks out of place in my opinion. I too would recommend a 3' whip. These are made by Shakespeare and Digital and cost about $50. Get a nice SS base to hold it too.
Click to expand...


More to think about... already have the mount on the boat.

How is the speaker on the PS2000? That was one thing I did not like about the current radio?
 
Four Suns said:
I have a Standard Horizon Quest (not Quest-X) on my dinghy and it has been very very abused bouncing on the water, wave jumping, staying out in the rain without a cover, covered with salt spray, etc. and it works great. I put a 4' fiberglass antenna on after we broke 2 metal whip antennas off from ski ropes passing over it... but I agree the small whips look better on a smaller boat.
Click to expand...

Did us 240 Sundeck owners just get called dinghy owners?
 
Tallahassee240Sundeck said:
Did us 240 Sundeck owners just get called dinghy owners?
Click to expand...

Don't even want to go there, Gary will sick all them outboards that run his boat on us.:lol: You noticed they are on the loose did not see them on his sig pictures any more.
Back on topic. Not sure if you noticed where I've got mine mounted to the left of the steering wheel. I really like my short SS whip mounted on the side. You can see where I've got mine mounted by clicking on the gallery at the right hand top of this message. Neat new feature I just found the other day.
 
The 3db whip should do fine for you. Coast Guard uses them and they go a lot futher offshore than you will probably ever go. Buy a good SS antenna mount with the money instead of an extra antenna. The radio Jim is recomending sounds like a good one. If Gary's dogs and teenagers can not ruin it you know it is tough.
 
Four Suns said:
I didn't mean anything like that. I was just saying that if that product can live on the boat I have it on and perform well, it'll surely perform well in a bigger boat like yours.
Click to expand...

I know... I do appreciate your input and your experience says a lot with the product.

Maybe just dinghy itis... you know, when you have a boat big enough for a dinghy
 
admin said:
The PS2000 that Morpheus suggests is a great way to go. We actually have these w/mic for $175, so call to order instead of using the site.
Click to expand...

Jim -

I know the PS200 has been discontinued, but do you still have these available??
 
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