I am looking to buy a handheld marine radio.
any suggestions for a basic starter radio?
My cell phone is nice but not what I really need.

I figure I will also use it to listen to the trash talking while I am fishin from shore and watching some of you clowns out on the rocks :)

Also thinkin of getting a magellan meridian color GPS
again, for multipurpose- boating, hiking and driving.

what are the opinions here?

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ICON:D

i have the meridian color its really nice.:happy: :happy:

It matters more that you have one rather than the best one. :D

I'll second the Icom recommendation. Just so you're aware though, using marine radio's from land is prohibited (only if you get caught;) )

Basically the prices dictate the quality. Icom is one of the better. I have had a Standard for about 14 years and still working. But as BigBo stated illegal for land use.....but I have got my fishing reports from the house when stuck at home ;)

Jon

I could understand the landuse restriction to keep shore to shore comms from overpowering the reaon boaters have them, however I dont understand restricting shore to ship communications.

I had a hand held hummingbird that had less range than me screaming.

Icom M1V was highest rated in a recent survey.

The best price I could find was

http://store.yahoo.com/boating-electronics/icomm1v.html

(hope posting this link is OK- if not please remove)

Bob

so.. basic *required* exectronics
are gonna run me another 300-800 bucks.
damn.