Quote:
Originally Posted by Winnipesaukee
VHF radios cost maybe $200 per boat to install. I personally believe every wind or machine-powered vessel should be required to carry one. Handhelds are as low as $40. ... Besides a life jacket, VHF radios are the number one safety device on a boat.
|
I was going to make a cheap joke about #2 but the mood passed.
Before anyone buys a cheaper handheld, try to view the manual on-line. Some of them are only water 'resistant' not 'waterproof.' I got a Midland version for $60 a few years back and they included a plastic bag to make it completly water-proof.
The bargain versions are better than nothing bit are really more of the toy category than tool category. They make ok scanners if you enjoy monitorring the traffic from ashore. I already had an installed VHF and have since changed to a DSC model so I wasn't trying to get off cheap on my main gear. If it is all a person can afford right now, then get that piece of gear and hope for the best.
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...land#post28280
This link is to a thread where I reviewed the item I mentionned. Since then better bargain products have come on the market and I'm sure a good hand-held can be bought for under $100.
Good luck!