What Marine Mount VHF Radio?

T

Trompie

Member

Hi, i’m looking to buy a VHF marine mount radio for my boat, but I don’t know what to buy as I have been out of the market (and country) for a few years. Are there any suggestions? I have been looking at the following:
Raymarine Ray55 DSC VHF Radio
Lowrance LVR-880
I’m looking at spending not more than R2-3000. Is it possible to buy it from overseas and bring to SA, as i am currently in the USA?
Thanks
Trompie
 
M

miles

Sealiner
Hiya

Since your radio has to be licence by ICASA, you might have problems if you buy a radio thats not available in SA.

A entry level ICOM 402, with aerial will set you back about R2000-2500 in SA. You do how-ever get more value for money in the US. Maybe look at the Icom 504, which is a much better spec'd radio.

I use a entry level icom 402 with a Pacific aerial and can hear up the stronger stations, up to 60nm away!! Standard boat to boat is a mere 10-20nm, depending on the sea.

The more expensive radio is NOT going to give you BETTER performance, becuase performance is directly related to your type of aerial and aerial height. It does offer some aditional features, like broadcasting your exact gps co-ordinates, in the case of a may-day.

Regards

miles

 
 
T

Trompie

Member
Hi Miles
The specs on the radio looks good and i will start my planning. Thanks for the advice its a great help.
T
 
B

benniejordaan

Sealiner
I recently installed a Cobra MRF55 EU works perfectly fine, submersable to 1m for 30min, broadcasting, GPS compatible etc. and it cost R1550. It's got what the rest have! I also installed a Blue antenna. Managed to buy it direct from Blue antenna in Durban at R280. What a bargain normal price is R800 from retailers.
 
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