Opinions on Marine VHF Brands

M

mastersp

Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2002
RO Number
9057
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56
Looking for opinions on Cobra Marine VHFs. Anybody have any experience with them?

I am looking for a new DSC capable radio - no frills. I see Boatfix has a few on sale such as the Uniden Solara. My current radio is a Uniden and it has lasted a very long time but doesn't have DSC.
 
X2

I just got my MMSI but haven't selected a radio. Looking for one that has loud hailer and intercom capability.

Thanks for letting me piggy back... I appreciate any feedback too!
 
IMHO, you'll never use a hailer, or an intercom, unless you have a 100' + yacht! Get the best damn radio AND antenna you can afford; which, by the way, is usually $-0- to $20 over the cheap ones.

Recommend only Icom or Standard Horizon!
 
Personal experience only- Have had present boat (34') for 15 years. Only use intercom and hailer once a year just to see if it works. It came with the boat. As Steve said-get the best antenna and radio you can afford.

Good Luck
Ron
 
From everything I've seen, ICOM is the absolute best. Having said that, Standard Horizon is a very close second.
 
I use my hailer all the time ..... To the dismay of my wife nd kids.....

: )

Rob
 
Thanks guys-

The boat came with a hailer and intercom that aren't working. I don't plan to keep this one forever, so it will be nice to get something that allows me to return the hailer and intercom to working condition before the trade up. Plus, I can call down for a cup of coffee while under way ;-)

P.S. - I've found that the dual airhorn gets peoples attention rather quickly!
 
The current radio is a basic Standard Horizon VHF that has worked flawlessly for seven years. The antenna is an 8' Shakespeare that came with the boat (5101) I think.

No hailer on the boat. Don't think I really need one.
 
I would recommend the Uniden UM625E it has a good receiver that works well in crowded areas. I am using it with a 529VW 8' 6db Digital antenna. The radio also has provisions for 4 wireless full function microphones that also double as wireless intercoms. It also has a 25 watt hailer with programable fog horn signaling. I have the wireless antenna port connected to a 9db omni and can use the wireless remotes up to about 300 feet from the boat.
The radio is not that expensive for all the features. It also meets the Class D DSC requirements. Regards Bill
 
I use and recommend Icom for my SSB HF communications.
 
My vote is for the Uniden 625. the radio works great and you get a lot of bang for the buck.
 
I have a ICOM on the bridge and one in the pilothouse -their great
I also have a Standard handheld for beach to boat - it goes in the ditch bag when underway
 
Remember, a hailer also has a listen mode which amplifies sound. I turn it on in the locks to hear the lock attendants shout their confusing instructions. You can also eavesdrop on your dock neighbors. I did use the hailer mode once to give my wife line handling instructions. I was told in no uncertain terms NEVER to do that again. I like Icom radios and Digital antennas. But perhaps more important is a properly soldered PL-259 connector.
 
Standard has a 3 year warranty, they stand behind their products.
 
I had a Standard on the old boat with remote mic and hailer. Great radio, used the remote mic alot, never used the hailer except to test it.

Currently have an ICOM. Works fine and will replace when I'm ready to get the DSC capability. No plans for a hailer.
 
I like Icoms. Haven't found a radio yet that I can't break, but the Icoms have a much higher 'better havethem put a new one in' threshold. They just seem to take constant saltwater soakings much better than Standards.
 
Put your money in the antenna. Standards used to have a flat rate repair fee of $65. Icom probably has something similar. If you have a radio you like, look at getting it repaired. One less thing in the landfill, after all how many ways can you say mayday. HTH JD
 
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