Quote:
Originally Posted by Weekend Pundit
Cell phones are great, but as I have asked more than a few folks who think a VHF radio isn't needed, I point to a boat on the lake some distance away and ask them:
"Okay, what's the phone number for the person on that boat if we need help?"
"Oh, I can call 911!"
"Really? What if there's no cell coverage where you happen to be?"
They never have an answer for that one.
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Obviously to hail another boat within your sight the other boat would need a VHF radio, have it turned on, and be listening to the chatter. VHF radio equipped boats on the lake are a minority now so your chances of success with that are slim.
We had them in the 80's into the 90's and used them mostly to meet up with friends. When cell phones became popular the use of VHF's on Winnipesaukee became minimal and most of my friends stopped even turning them on.
I have a hand held that I use when taking the boat to the ocean like the Vineyard or Nantucket but only use it to arrange docking or call for the launch when using a mooring. I don't even take it on the boat on the lake.