A Radio for my Boat, Part 3

What kind of marine radio should I get? Let's face it, there are a lot of choices available. We hope you at least now know that just one radio may not cover every situation, but should you just have two hand held marine radios?

For many of you, hand held marine radios are the perfect solution. You do not go far from shore, or stay out very long. You may even want a set of GMRS radios as well for shore use. However, for many of you a more powerful radio is the way to go.

Not only can you mount one of our marine transceivers so it is easy to find, and well, not sliding all around, they also have some great features. With selectable output (1-25 watts) they give greater flexibility and range than most handheld sets. You also connect them to an external antenna which gives you a lot more range than any hand held radio can provide (dependent on the quality of the antenna of course).

Add to this the features now available in modern VHF marine radios such as NOAA alerts, channel scan, and dual channel watch, all combined in a rugged, compact design that meets JIS7 waterproof standards. So go and give a look at our Uniden UM385, or Uniden UM435 radios and contact us with any questions you may have.

One feature that has become increasingly common on higher-end marine radios is Digital Selective Calling (DSC). When connected to a compatible GPS receiver, a DSC-equipped radio can transmit your vessel's location with the push of a button in an emergency. It can also be used for routine calling between boats without tying up the hailing channels. While not everyone will need it, DSC is certainly worth considering if you spend a lot of time on the water.

Of course, no radio can perform any better than the antenna connected to it. A quality marine antenna, mounted as high as practical and installed with good coaxial cable and connectors, will often make a bigger difference than simply buying a more powerful radio. It's one of the best investments you can make to improve both range and reliability.

Hopefully this three-part series has given you a better idea of which type of marine radio best fits your boating style. Every boat and every boater has different needs, but choosing the right equipment before you head out can make your time on the water safer and a whole lot more enjoyable. If you still have questions about marine radios or accessories, just let us know. We're always happy to help.