Hi guys I am looking to buy and install a VHF radio in the boat. There are so mamy options out there I just don't know what to buy. My budget is around 200$. Can anybody point me in the right direction. As to what to get and where might be a good place to buy. I see that most models the antennas are sold separately. Is there a combo option out there? Also what are the waterproof ratings all about. And are the warranty's they sell worth the extra money? Thanks guys everybody here is always super helpfull.

Poncho,

Here your go. Basic Icom VHF and Digital Antenna. No need for all the fancy functions that the other radios can do, most people don't use them or don't know how unless you really study up on it. That antenna is very good quality.

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|344|2028693|2028953&id=2834498

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|344|2028695|2029060&id=69560

Thanks beami you are right. All the options are a bit overwhelming and I would most likely never use them
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beamies got the right idea. don't get an entry level unit for sure

If you're in a hurry worst marine will price match.

You are welcome to this,, pick up Or meet close by

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You'll need a bracket and solder on a new connector

Poncho,

To answer some of your other questions. The 'waterproof' factor is kind of self explanatory no? Basically you can dunk a bit it and it will still work......

I would stay clear of any type of extra money for a warranty on most stuff, these very rarely pay off for most people....that is why they try to sell them.

WRT Mako Mikes comment about Worst Marine and price matching......one thing I encountered with them is they started saying they will price match if the other store is within 50mi. So no internet matching etc.

Some VHF's have GPS built in, not sure if that meets your price point.
Tying the vhf into your plotter is a good idea and easy to do if both machines support NEMA (?)

Defender prices are way high.
Much cheaper places to buy from for the same product.
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Ok I am going to pull the trigger on the radio that beamie, posted for me. Guppy thank you for offering that antenna to me! I picked one up today at cabelas. Thank you to everybody that replied always a big help over here
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Defender prices are way high.
Much cheaper places to buy from for the same product.
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Would love to know where Ronnie! I have always found Defender to be one of the best on most things.

Port supply
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Port supply
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Well......that isn't retail is it, you need a business account etc???

You can't go wrong with the ICOM. Best radio I have ever bought. I just always works.

Its a DSC capable radio so I have mine connected with my GPS with the MMSI number. If in trouble just push the red button and it sends a distress call and GPS location.

I show this to every client that comes on board. Great feature.

Good Luck

Cell phone with AT&T (at least my area) beats the hell out of any stupid vhf radio.
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Cell phone with AT&T (at least my area) beats the hell out of any stupid vhf radio.
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I agree...AT&T hands down has best coverage on the water in this area...
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Cell phones R not approved by the coast guard as a safty radio

Cell phones R not approved by the coast guard as a safty radio

LOL, who ever said they were?
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people that say VHF radios R "Stupid."

AT&T is better than Verizon on the bank. I'll lose signal while my dads still has 4 bars.

On the radios - standard horizon is a lot cheaper than icom and in my experience works just as well. We've got both - they're higher end programmable sets, but they put out equally well.
Most of the performance is based on the antenna anyway - go as tall as you can there.
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people that say VHF radios R "Stupid."



Correction,
The Non stop annoying chatter on a VHF is Stupid !

Fishing is stupid
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Find yourself out there with a tanker or tug/barge bearing down on you and see how useful your phone is then. VHF radios need to be on and tuned to 16 and 13, enough said.

Another reason for a tall antenna is an hr b 4 daybreak in light fog you'll hear it slapping the tow cable between a tug and barge, time to move :confused: