VHF Radio Replacement ideas

[Johnny Slalom]

I have a 99 270 and am interested in replacing the Raytheon VHF dash mounted radio. Has anybody else done this and do you have any suggestions for other brands that will fit? Advice is appreciated.

 

[Jaybeaux]

Where do you boat? Are you down on the Coast or up on the Res? If you are on the Coast and go to Horn Island, Ship Island, etc, I would buy a really good VHF radio and even consider (actually, I would get) putting in an AIS. Recieve only is a good start but a transponder is the way to go in my opinion. Good, reliable communication is paramount in my opinion.

Jaybeaux

 

[RollerCoastr]

Prepare to enlarge the opening or to use an filler plate to cover gaps - the sizes vary widely. I haven't come across a current unit that's a drop-in replacement for the old Rays.

You can shop by size to make it as close as possible, but if you resign yourself to some cutting or filling, that let's you choose by budget, features and reviews...

One of the first choices is built-in GPS or getting position data from your plotter. Built-in doesn't add much cost, but it can simplify installation and adds redundancy. Manufacturers may append a model number with a "G" or "GPS" to denote built-in GPS. (Standard Horizon does)

It's tempting not to connect a VHF with internal GPS to a plotter, but there are reasons to do so anyway. The default connection is still NMEA-0183. If you already have or may consider adding an NMEA-2000 network, then I'd choose a VHF that supports 2000.

If you boat on the gulf or on the river, Jaybeaux makes a good point about AIS. If you're near that much commercial traffic, I'd definitely get a unit capable of receiving AIS, but I'd also consider a transceiver.

You can register for an MMSI number for free as a BoatUS member, or with the U.S. Power Squadron without being a member.

 

[KevinC]

I have a 99 270 and am interested in replacing the Raytheon VHF dash mounted radio. Has anybody else done this and do you have any suggestions for other brands that will fit? Advice is appreciated.

If you happen to have the old Ray215 then we manufacture a number of adapter panels to fit the Ray215 mount and are pre-cut to many of the modern smaller units making it a simple DIY replacement. Depending on the model you select you may need to slightly modify the hole in the dash but it will be covered by the adapter panel so it does not need to be neat. You would also need the flush mount adapter for any VHF.

Choosing brands and models will be dependent on your overall requirements and budgets. Let me know if you have any other questions.

This is a sample of one of the adapter panels that was installed by a CSR member:


-Kevin

 

[Pirate Lady]

Love my Standard Horizon GX1400GPS. I am told sponsor on here BOE would be a good place to inquire.

 

[WRIGHTDREW]

I have a 99 270 and am interested in replacing the Raytheon VHF dash mounted radio. Has anybody else done this and do you have any suggestions for other brands that will fit? Advice is appreciated.

There is a guy on EBay who makes trim panels that will cover the hole from the Ray 210/215s you remove and fit different radios. White or black trim panels.
I am actually taking out the old Ray RN300 GPS, and putting the Standard Horizon Explorer VHF in there, with a trim panel made for that hole, and putting a blank panel over the old VHF hole.

 

[ttmott]

The Garmin VHF's are functionally as good as any others however the displays aren't very readable for me. It's a yellow/orange backlight with black lettering; other than the large channel display I have to have my glasses on to read. It's the only thing on the boat I need glasses to read. Mine is a Garmin VHF 315 and in the last boat a Garmin VHF 215AIS and both have the same readability challenges for me. So, consider that in your decisions.

 

[WRIGHTDREW]

Color and readability were exactly why I didn’t get the Garmin VHF. Much more readable screen for me on Standard Horizon.

 

[fwebster]

I have been a fan of Standard horizon VHF's for years. I never experienced a readability issue until the one in my 450DA, a secondary or back-up VHF, got a case of sunburn and became unreadable. About the same time, my primary VHF, an up till last fall a bullet proof B&G radio failed, leaving me with no VHF radios I could read the screens on.

I am on the gulf coast in a fairly busy shipping port so I opted for an ICOM 506 + with an optional AIS receiver and a remote speaker (and I love the ICOM!) as a replacement for my primary VHF and a Standard Horizon 1400 to replace the 15 year old Standard. Both were easy to install because th ey fit the cut outs for t he radios they were replacing.

Given your location, if you are on Ross Barnett, you really don't need to spend the money for an AIS receiver; however, if you frequent the Gulf Coast, AIS would ad safety to your off shore outings.

 

[KevinC]

I have been a fan of Standard horizon VHF's for years. I never experienced a readability issue until the one in my 450DA, a secondary or back-up VHF, got a case of sunburn and became unreadable. About the same time, my primary VHF, an up till last fall a bullet proof B&G radio failed, leaving me with no VHF radios I could read the screens on.

I am on the gulf coast in a fairly busy shipping port so I opted for an ICOM 506 + with an optional AIS receiver and a remote speaker (and I love the ICOM!) as a replacement for my primary VHF and a Standard Horizon 1400 to replace the 15 year old Standard. Both were easy to install because th ey fit the cut outs for t he radios they were replacing.

Given your location, if you are on Ross Barnett, you really don't need to spend the money for an AIS receiver; however, if you frequent the Gulf Coast, AIS would ad safety to your off shore outings.

The standard horizon GX2400B now has GPS and AIS (receive) along with N2K. I am putting one in my 340SDA to replace the Ray 215.

-Kevin

 

[KevinC]

There is a guy on EBay who makes trim panels that will cover the hole from the Ray 210/215s you remove and fit different radios. White or black trim panels.
I am actually taking out the old Ray RN300 GPS, and putting the Standard Horizon Explorer VHF in there, with a trim panel made for that hole, and putting a blank panel over the old VHF hole.

We manufacture and stock a series of adapter panels to convert the old Ray215 to most modern VHF models. Currently we only stock black.

-Kevin

 

[ttmott]

Regarding AIS - I'm not convinced of it's necessity for recreational boating unless you are in heavy commercial traffic areas. Most boats that transmit AIS in our area (there aren't that many) are in their slips and for some reason leave them transmitting; constant alarms on my boat for no reason. I've had AIS receivers for 10 years and AIS transponders for five of that. The only two places on the East coast that the AIS was of benefit was Government Cut in Miami and Jacksonville; I could see the traffic coming and going before entering the inlets. As a justification for night running AIS is only a tool in the tool box as in reality few boats transmit AIS..... Is it worth the investment? Eh probably not unless you are in heavy commercial traffic areas.... Remember also that AIS effective range is only as good as your VHF or AIS antenna line of sight range at best.
Tom