VHF Radio Brands

[JoseGaspar]

Hi everyone, following the electrical fire on my 250 CCP yesterday, I am going all out and replacing everything except for my Raymarine GPS/Fishfinder unit (assuming I didn't cook it).  On the VHF radio side, anyone have any opinions on Standard Horizon vs. Cobra vs. Uniden?  Appreciate any feedback you might have.

Thanks,
JG

[wingtime]

Cobra radios seem to work ok but I would put it on the bottom of the list of brands you posted.  Since all radios now are dsc be sure to hook it up to your gps or get one of the new ones with an internal gps.  Be sure you also register your radio so you can get your mmsi number.  The reason for this is to enable you to use the Coast Guards rescue 21 system that will pinpoint your location in an emergency with the push of a button.

No matter what the brand you choose dont cheap out on the antenna.  A cheap radio  properly installed with a good antenna will out perform an expensive one  poorly installed with a cheap antenna.

[John Jones]

Standard Horizon or Icom are the Cadillacs.  Unidens work.  From my own personal experience Cobra is junk.

The basic brand name radios all have the same power, range, etc.  The extra $$ just go to add-on features most people don't use.

[John Jones]

No matter what the brand you choose dont cheap out on the antenna.  A cheap radio  properly installed with a good antenna will out perform an expensive one  poorly installed with a cheap antenna.

AMEN!

[JoseGaspar]

Cobra radios seem to work ok but I would put it on the bottom of the list of brands you posted.  Since all radios now are dsc be sure to hook it up to your gps or get one of the new ones with an internal gps.  Be sure you also register your radio so you can get your mmsi number.  The reason for this is to enable you to use the Coast Guards rescue 21 system that will pinpoint your location in an emergency with the push of a button.

No matter what the brand you choose dont cheap out on the antenna.  A cheap radio  properly installed with a good antenna will out perform an expensive one  poorly installed with a cheap antenna.

I bought a new antenna last year...a Shakespeare Galaxy 5225-Xp Extra Performance Vhf Antenna.  It seemed to rate well amongst buyers at the time.  I also have ACR epirb on board for added protection.  I am leaning toward the Standard Horizon brand at the moment.

Thanks for the feedback.
JG

[seabob4]

ICOM M504...

[seabob4]

S-H, good stuff...but ICOM, look into them...

[gran398]

Everyone is on the money here, particularly the premium Shakespeare antenna.

An ICOM VHF...the standard-bearer.

[JoseGaspar]

S-H, good stuff...but ICOM, look into them...

ICOM M504 is 2X the price of the SH Explorer GX1600W.  Is it really worth it?

[gran398]

The entry level (inexpensive) ICOM is still an ICOM.

Darn fine unit.

Go with an ICOM.

[seabob4]

Our factory installs at Proline were ICOMs...

But here's the ticket...http://shakespeare-marine.com/antennas. ... na=5225-XT

[seabob4]

As has been said (by Bruce, I believe)...a good radio will be a better radio with the right antenna, properly installed...

[JoseGaspar]

So, for a slightly better comparison.  ICOM M412 vs. previously aforementioned Standard Horizon model GX1600W, the ICOM is the better deal?  Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking to "go cheap" when it comes to safety, but with EPIRB on board and a better-than-average antenna, I don't necessarily want to buy a bunch of features in a VHF radio that I simply won't use.

Any additional thoughts?

Thanks,
JG

[seabob4]

The 412 will do you fine...

[JoseGaspar]

The 412 will do you fine...

So the 412 with my Shakespeare Galaxy 5225-Xp Extra Performance Vhf Antenna should do me OK.  I'm not sure of the difference between the XP v. XT on the antenna, but I'm guessing I am "in the ballpark" as far as a quality antenna goes.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback.  Always nice to get such great insight, feedback and help from this forum.  

Thanks,
JG