shamrock Kid wrote:I recently decided to get a VHF unit instead of using my handheld, and I purchased the same type you have in the photos since it's so compact. I'm going to install it just like you did, it looks very clean that way! Thanks again for posting the photos!

Yeah they have come a long way with the vhf technology. This unit is very compact but very powerful. I've picked up radio traffic and when I checked their position. They were well over 30 miles away. Feels good knowing I care communicate that far away. But I recently picked up an epirb just in case, hope I never need it. But if your not prepared to help yourself how do you expect others too.

That's very good range.

HawaiianShorts wrote:That's very good range.

Yeah it was a very clear calm day. But I check in regularly with SeaTow (radio check) and it always works. The effective useful range of a fixed mount vhf is 20-25 miles. Depending on conditions and antenna mounting. VHF is line of sight they will not bend with the curvature of the earth. The fixed mount can have an antenna with a 25 db watt max. Hand helds are much less do to the antenna being close to your head. FCC regulates all this stuff. So while the useful range of a hand held is 1.5 to 2 miles they still work are are a great option for many. But the fixed mount are not that expensive and allot more range. How ever you do have to buy an antenna and mount everything so the cost will vary there. Just my .02

I don't want to give people the wrong perspective. When I said I picked up radio traffic from over 30 miles away. Remember I did not communicate with them. Being they most likely had max wattage with a higher antenna they're waves could carry further. I don't know if i could or couldn't, but pretty sure I could cause it was loud and clear.