How to Choose a Suitable Marine VHF Radio – A Concise Guide

Until recently, picking out the most appropriate VHF radio for marine activities was not so much of an endeavor. There were a handful of options to choose from that entailed minimum hassle. However, with the advancement in the technology, manufacturers have become highly resilient to the customer needs, as a result of which, several options in VHF radios have made their way into the potential market. 

The availability of multitude of options has however, given way to a lot more confusion contrary to some predefined expectations. For pros choosing a right radio may not be a problematic affair; however for the novices that are on the verge of disembarking on their maiden oceanic venture, choosing the most suitable vhf radio may pose a series of complications. Worry no further, mentioned below are some of the most important factors that go into making the right selection of a vhf radio. 

Tips on Choosing the Right Marine VHF Radio

Portability Factor

Much of the difference that lies in several options of a vhf radio is in the amount of portability they provide. Earlier, mounted units were stationed at the marine vessels that fell short of portability. The sailor had to move to the unit, in order to scan the available radio channels. Portable radios eliminated this requisite. 

However in terms of reliability, the mounted radios surpass the functionality of a portable vhf radio. While portable radios can fall off your hands; with a fixed one mounted, you always know where to find it. It is more of a battle between convenience and reliability. Therefore, it is up to you, which one to go for. 

Accessories Does Count

Owing to the technological advancement, several accessories are available in the market that enhances the functioning of a VHF radio. Headsets, extension speakers, station kits are all examples of accessories that make way for a better operational functionality of the vhf radio. Several online stores specialize in offering these accessories, therefore depending upon your choice and requirement; you can place an order. 

Additional Functionalities

You need to take all the measures to make sure your oceanic venture is highly safe and is not vulnerable to any adverse situation. VHF radios for marine excursions, these days are coming equipped with additional functionalities that help sailors to combat hostile conditions in a better manner. For instance GPS enabled VHF radio will greatly enhance your water capabilities in sending out your location to other vessels at distressful times. 

A marine vhf radio is not just like any other technological device you purchase on a daily basis. All the above mentioned factors are a must go through to buy the most suitable vhf radio for your boat. Therefore make sure you have taken all of them in consideration. 

   

VHF Marine Radios: Why are they Necessary?

The advancement in the technology has brought about some significant changes in the manner we communicate with people. Sending a message from one part of world to other is easier than ever. You no longer have to rely upon a special device to deliver a message; a simple cellphone would just suffice for the purpose. On earth, communicating may not be a big deal, but out in the ocean it is. While riding the waves in the ocean, you traverse along uncharted territories where communication is implausible. 

There may arise some situations while you are out on your oceanic excursion, that you may need to send a message in the event of distress. In adverse situations, in order to retain your lifeline, getting someone to you might get tricky, unless you have marine radio equipment installed in your vessel. 

Significance of VHF Marine Radios

VHF marine radios are a popular medium of communicating with shore people and other ships. These are primarily two way radios that are ordinarily used by commercial ships and casual boaters chiefly in the inland and coastal regions. These radios are specifically built to tackle emergency situations and come in real handy in establishing communication.

VHF marine radios are essentially line of sight systems that have to maintain visibility to the receiving tower. The antenna of a VHF radio has to be in line with the antenna of a distant station. Typically VHF radios offer a range of 20 to 25 miles that is an effective range for this radio. The height of the antenna plays a crucial role in determining the range of the radio. The antenna height should be adjusted in such a manner that, it should be visible from the antenna of a distant station.  

Versions Available 

VHF marine radios are available in both hand-held and fixed mount versions. They both have certain advantages over one another. A hand-held marine radio is more portable in terms of handling and convenience. It is ideally suited for smaller boats that has no electrical systems and can be carried out easily. The range however, of a handheld radio is limited to fewer miles. On the other hand a fixed mount VHF radio, although has a much wider range than the hand-held ones, but they need to be mounted and can’t be carried around. 

Conclusion

It is recommended that while riding the waves of the ocean, both handheld and fixed mount vhf radios should be kept handy, one being a backup. Make sure you have your vhf marine radio standby on the channel 16 that is primarily for emergency situations. 

Marine VHF Radio: A Study

Safety equipment is very crucial resource and every sailor must be fully equipped before going on a sea trip. Marine VHF radio is one such instrument that is in use for decades to avoid collision in sea and direct vessels in the right direction. These radios are used as an aid to keep you on the right track and call for aid when in distress. These radios operate on very high frequencies i.e. between 156 MHz to 162 MHz dedicated for marine communication. Different types of radios are used for different types of vessels, as small boats require different type of radio than large ships etc.

These radios operate on simplex mode of transmission that means the transmitter and receiver operator one by one and there is a button that helps you switch between the two modes. Some radios also use duplex transmission that provides for simultaneous receiving and sending of messages. These radios have seen a lot of changing with the advancements and technology and now it is a very effective and user-friendly safety device for sailors.

In order to buy the suitable marine VHF radio for your vessel, you should get in touch with a reliable provider who can understand your requirement and get the best product for you. It is important that you gain proper knowledge about the functionality of these devices so that you buy the right product for yourself. There are various types of radios available in the market but you should always go for a manufacturer who has been in the trade for long and has experience of serving similar clients in the past.

The device should be able to perform well in rugged weather; it should give you optimum performance even when used for long period. The device should be waterproof and lightweight so that it is handled easily. The signal reception should be great even when in poor weather conditions so that you can ensure the safety o your vessel. It is important that you don’t compromise with the quality of these radios as they play an important role in determining your safety on board.

Humminbird fish finder: An understanding

Fish finders are a crucial resource for every fishing vessel as it helps sailors enhance their profits with each trip. These devices help you to locate fish and give you the directions to be followed for better catch. The type of fish finder you use depends upon the fishing vessel and the place where you are fishing. In case you are fishing in your neighborhood lake, you can save money by not opting for GPS enabled system. The range of fish finder varies according to the cost and hence it is important that you gain proper knowledge of your requirements before purchasing one. Humminbird Fish Finder is one of the best instruments available in the market and t is very popular among fishermen for its incredible performance and precision. 

These devices are known for providing accurate results thereby making it possible for the fishermen to gain more with every fishing trip. It helps you get the right direction to proceed for getting more catch. It has GPS enabled that keeps you aware of your position and helps you ensure your own safety on board. Humminbird fish finder is acclaimed worldwide for the reliable direction it provides you on your fishing expedition. It is based on the latest technological innovations so that you get reliable results. 

There are certain features that your fish finder must possess for effective performance:

It should be easy to handle and waterproof so as to perform well even in stormy weather. The hand held devices give better performance and should be preferred while on your fishing trips. The device should have a clear and interactive display so that you can easily get an idea about the location of the catch. It should allow you to zoom to get better understanding of the location.

There is wide variety of Humminbird fish finders available so that you can choose the best one for your business. It is important that you ensure that the device is a genuine product and not get trapped by fake providers. These genuine products will give you high performance even on prolonged use.

GPS Chart Plotters: For Precise Route

People who go for sea voyages need to be fully equipped with necessary gear that includes navigation and security equipment. Chart plotters are electronic navigation system that uses a GPS receiver that has features like display of electronic charts, continuous monitoring of position and movement of the vessel. The efficiency of these devices depends on the integral processor that has GPS data with electronic charts. It provides information about the location of the vessel and calculates GPS data for determining the speed and direction of the boat.

You can determine the location and distance from the next point, the data is displayed in real time and hence you are aware of where your boat is actually is. Chart plotters come with incredible features that make them so useful for the navigators. It is important to know about the benefits that these GPS chart plotters come with so that you can easily buy one for your sea trips.

Benefits of Chart plotters
 

The benefits of chart plotters are numerous; the most important ones are listed below:

You can preload maps on your chart plotter and then do the alterations at the time of the voyage. You can store hundreds of routes for your use. These routes come with way points that help you in navigation and also keep dangers away. It gives a clear view of the boat surroundings so that you keep away from shallow rocks and reefs. It gives you the information regarding the distance traveled and the left over one. It helps you know if the vessel has let its route and how can you bring it back to the same.

These GPS chart plotters have the features and embedded charts that have made them essential navigation tools. These are affordable and can be installed on any kind of vessel.

The developments in GPS chart plotters have brought many powerful products into the market which include zoom in facility. It is important to buy GPS chart plotter from a reliable provider so that you get the best product with performance guarantee. Since a lot depends upon the directions and routes provided by the chart plotter, it is important that you chose from brands like Humminbird and Garmin that are well acclaimed manufacturers of GPS chart plotters.