Handheld VHF

[Patrick]

Hi everyone,

I've got so many questions I don't know where to start. I recently purchased my first sailboat, a CD Typhoon. Don't worry, I won't take up your time with a bunch of questions now. I read this board daily and I honestly respect everything you all have to say. I know from what I have read here that I should take sailing lessons BUT I can't afford sailing lessons. I'm going to take my "LEARN TO SAIL" book and go at it. One of the problems I have is that the wife says there's no way I'm going to wander out into Lake Ontario with no radio. I've been reading about handheld VHF's and my head is spinning. Can any of you fine folks recommend a good handheld VHF? There's a pretty good chance I'm going to need it. Thanks!!



pculhane@rochester.rr.com

[Bill Goldsmith]

Patrick,

Congratulations for purchasing a wonderful boat. It will take care of you as you learn to sail.

I swear by the Horizon HX350S, particularly if it will be your only radio. Here's what I like about it:

-completely submersible--lessens the chance of failure as it will be your only radio.
--very long battery life--comes with a rechargeable pack that just keeps on going......
--Has a supplemental battery clip that holds AA batteries--if your rechargeable pack runs out, just flip out that pack and put in the AA pack--all still submersible.
--Has a desktop charger.
--Has a cigarette lighter adapter--can recharge in the car or on boat with such receptacle.
--Street price is $199, a bit steeper than other handhelds, less than others. However, since all the above is included (radio, rechargeable pack, AA clip, cig. lighter cord, desktop charger) it's actually a good deal as other brands charge extra or don't offer some of these options. As it will be your only radio, I would put flexibility and reliability at the top of the list of requirements.

Performancewise, it works well. It has high/low power transmission, weather band, 16/9 quick buttons and easy to use channel scanning. Instructions are clear, just run through the functions with the manual in front of you and you'll be a pro in no time.

Since you're new to sailing, I'll risk responding outside the thread and suggest you purchase Chapman's Piloting Seamanship and Small Boat Handling. It's a tome, and you certainly don't need to learn it all. But if you need a question answered, it's probably covered in there. For instance, chapter 24 has a wealth of info on VHF, including handhelds.

As far as sailing lessons are concerned, why not befriend a local sailor who would probably jump at the chance to go out with you on your boat and show you the ropes for the price of a sandwich, some grog and good company?

Bill Goldsmith
CD27#173
Second Chance
Croton-on-Hudson, NY

Hi everyone,

I've got so many questions I don't know where to start. I recently purchased my first sailboat, a CD Typhoon. Don't worry, I won't take up your time with a bunch of questions now. I read this board daily and I honestly respect everything you all have to say. I know from what I have read here that I should take sailing lessons BUT I can't afford sailing lessons. I'm going to take my "LEARN TO SAIL" book and go at it. One of the problems I have is that the wife says there's no way I'm going to wander out into Lake Ontario with no radio. I've been reading about handheld VHF's and my head is spinning. Can any of you fine folks recommend a good handheld VHF? There's a pretty good chance I'm going to need it. Thanks!!

goldy@bestweb.net

[Ken Coit]

I have one too. It seems like a dream come true. Must be something wrong with it, but I haven't figured out what yet.

Ken

Patrick,

Congratulations for purchasing a wonderful boat. It will take care of you as you learn to sail.

I swear by the Horizon HX350S, particularly if it will be your only radio. Here's what I like about it:

-completely submersible--lessens the chance of failure as it will be your only radio.
--very long battery life--comes with a rechargeable pack that just keeps on going......
--Has a supplemental battery clip that holds AA batteries--if your rechargeable pack runs out, just flip out that pack and put in the AA pack--all still submersible.
--Has a desktop charger.
--Has a cigarette lighter adapter--can recharge in the car or on boat with such receptacle.
--Street price is $199, a bit steeper than other handhelds, less than others. However, since all the above is included (radio, rechargeable pack, AA clip, cig. lighter cord, desktop charger) it's actually a good deal as other brands charge extra or don't offer some of these options. As it will be your only radio, I would put flexibility and reliability at the top of the list of requirements.

Performancewise, it works well. It has high/low power transmission, weather band, 16/9 quick buttons and easy to use channel scanning. Instructions are clear, just run through the functions with the manual in front of you and you'll be a pro in no time.

Since you're new to sailing, I'll risk responding outside the thread and suggest you purchase Chapman's Piloting Seamanship and Small Boat Handling. It's a tome, and you certainly don't need to learn it all. But if you need a question answered, it's probably covered in there. For instance, chapter 24 has a wealth of info on VHF, including handhelds.

As far as sailing lessons are concerned, why not befriend a local sailor who would probably jump at the chance to go out with you on your boat and show you the ropes for the price of a sandwich, some grog and good company?

Bill Goldsmith
CD27#173
Second Chance
Croton-on-Hudson, NY

Hi everyone,

I've got so many questions I don't know where to start. I recently purchased my first sailboat, a CD Typhoon. Don't worry, I won't take up your time with a bunch of questions now. I read this board daily and I honestly respect everything you all have to say. I know from what I have read here that I should take sailing lessons BUT I can't afford sailing lessons. I'm going to take my "LEARN TO SAIL" book and go at it. One of the problems I have is that the wife says there's no way I'm going to wander out into Lake Ontario with no radio. I've been reading about handheld VHF's and my head is spinning. Can any of you fine folks recommend a good handheld VHF? There's a pretty good chance I'm going to need it. Thanks!!

parfaitNOSPAM@nc.rr.com

[Will W.]

I just want to point out that VHF communication is line of sight. What this means to you is that sitting in the cockpit of your Typhoon, you have much less range than if you mount an antennae at the top of the mast. The gallery may have other input but the handheld I believe has only about a 5 mile range. Whereas a top mounted antennae can give you about 25 miles of range. This is covered in Chapman's. A VHF is a must but if you only have one, I would make it a regular VHF and get the handheld as a backup or in case of a sinking.
Just my two cents.

Will Wheatley
Suzi Q
CD25
Sailing from Chesapeake Beach, MD

P.S. I got the Standard Horizon HX260S for $160.00. I think Bill Goldsmith got a better unit for the price, considering all the extras.

I have one too. It seems like a dream come true. Must be something wrong with it, but I haven't figured out what yet.

Ken

Patrick,

Congratulations for purchasing a wonderful boat. It will take care of you as you learn to sail.

I swear by the Horizon HX350S, particularly if it will be your only radio. Here's what I like about it:

-completely submersible--lessens the chance of failure as it will be your only radio.
--very long battery life--comes with a rechargeable pack that just keeps on going......
--Has a supplemental battery clip that holds AA batteries--if your rechargeable pack runs out, just flip out that pack and put in the AA pack--all still submersible.
--Has a desktop charger.
--Has a cigarette lighter adapter--can recharge in the car or on boat with such receptacle.
--Street price is $199, a bit steeper than other handhelds, less than others. However, since all the above is included (radio, rechargeable pack, AA clip, cig. lighter cord, desktop charger) it's actually a good deal as other brands charge extra or don't offer some of these options. As it will be your only radio, I would put flexibility and reliability at the top of the list of requirements.

Performancewise, it works well. It has high/low power transmission, weather band, 16/9 quick buttons and easy to use channel scanning. Instructions are clear, just run through the functions with the manual in front of you and you'll be a pro in no time.

Since you're new to sailing, I'll risk responding outside the thread and suggest you purchase Chapman's Piloting Seamanship and Small Boat Handling. It's a tome, and you certainly don't need to learn it all. But if you need a question answered, it's probably covered in there. For instance, chapter 24 has a wealth of info on VHF, including handhelds.

As far as sailing lessons are concerned, why not befriend a local sailor who would probably jump at the chance to go out with you on your boat and show you the ropes for the price of a sandwich, some grog and good company?

Bill Goldsmith
CD27#173
Second Chance
Croton-on-Hudson, NY

Hi everyone,

I've got so many questions I don't know where to start. I recently purchased my first sailboat, a CD Typhoon. Don't worry, I won't take up your time with a bunch of questions now. I read this board daily and I honestly respect everything you all have to say. I know from what I have read here that I should take sailing lessons BUT I can't afford sailing lessons. I'm going to take my "LEARN TO SAIL" book and go at it. One of the problems I have is that the wife says there's no way I'm going to wander out into Lake Ontario with no radio. I've been reading about handheld VHF's and my head is spinning. Can any of you fine folks recommend a good handheld VHF? There's a pretty good chance I'm going to need it. Thanks!!

willwheatley@starpower.net

[Joel]

Congrats on your Ty. She's a great boat. I've been sailing one for 14 years and am still learning. One way to jump start that process is to talk to a local marina to find out where there are races - there are always races - and volunteer to crew - racers are always looking for crew, especially for those less than perfect weather days which are exactly what you'll want to learn about. It's easy to sail in picture perfect weather. It's when it really starts to blow, or thunderstorms are threatening (all of July and August), that it really starts to get interesting.

Have fun,

Joel
Pokey II (still for sale)
'73 Ty #549
Bayside, NY



bondy_joelNOSPAM@hotmail.com

[Mike Thorpe]

Patrick,

I also have a Horizon HX350S handheld VHF. A great radio. However, I'm with Will. If it's your only VHF it should be a mounted unit with an antenna at the top of the mast. You want the range. Horizon makes a good mounted radio and for a little more money, Icom.

Mike
CD-36
Journey's End

Patrick,

Congratulations for purchasing a wonderful boat. It will take care of you as you learn to sail.

I swear by the Horizon HX350S, particularly if it will be your only radio. Here's what I like about it:

-completely submersible--lessens the chance of failure as it will be your only radio.
--very long battery life--comes with a rechargeable pack that just keeps on going......
--Has a supplemental battery clip that holds AA batteries--if your rechargeable pack runs out, just flip out that pack and put in the AA pack--all still submersible.
--Has a desktop charger.
--Has a cigarette lighter adapter--can recharge in the car or on boat with such receptacle.
--Street price is $199, a bit steeper than other handhelds, less than others. However, since all the above is included (radio, rechargeable pack, AA clip, cig. lighter cord, desktop charger) it's actually a good deal as other brands charge extra or don't offer some of these options. As it will be your only radio, I would put flexibility and reliability at the top of the list of requirements.

Performancewise, it works well. It has high/low power transmission, weather band, 16/9 quick buttons and easy to use channel scanning. Instructions are clear, just run through the functions with the manual in front of you and you'll be a pro in no time.

Since you're new to sailing, I'll risk responding outside the thread and suggest you purchase Chapman's Piloting Seamanship and Small Boat Handling. It's a tome, and you certainly don't need to learn it all. But if you need a question answered, it's probably covered in there. For instance, chapter 24 has a wealth of info on VHF, including handhelds.

As far as sailing lessons are concerned, why not befriend a local sailor who would probably jump at the chance to go out with you on your boat and show you the ropes for the price of a sandwich, some grog and good company?

Bill Goldsmith
CD27#173
Second Chance
Croton-on-Hudson, NY

Hi everyone,

I've got so many questions I don't know where to start. I recently purchased my first sailboat, a CD Typhoon. Don't worry, I won't take up your time with a bunch of questions now. I read this board daily and I honestly respect everything you all have to say. I know from what I have read here that I should take sailing lessons BUT I can't afford sailing lessons. I'm going to take my "LEARN TO SAIL" book and go at it. One of the problems I have is that the wife says there's no way I'm going to wander out into Lake Ontario with no radio. I've been reading about handheld VHF's and my head is spinning. Can any of you fine folks recommend a good handheld VHF? There's a pretty good chance I'm going to need it. Thanks!!

mthorpe@capecod.net

[Gary L.]

Patrick,

I just picked up the same model a week ago to use as a back up and for solo sailing to call the bridge I must pass through, just tried it out on Saturday. Worked like a charm. Like the other contributors, I would recommend a mounted model, just inside your companionway, so that it will be easy to hear and to reach the mike.

Congrats on your choice of vessel. I know you will enjoy her for years to come.

Gary Lapine
Red Witch III
CD30C, #339
Somerset, MA



dory26@attbi.com

[Ken Coit]

but as a handheld, it seems to be just right. Talking to the bridge tender while at the helm is a big plus; being able to take it with you in the dinghy is a big plus; being able to hear the call of a ferry or barge cap'n is a VERY big plus. We all do sail with the VHF on, don't we?

Parfait and my Grady White have fixed rigs as well, the handheld is not a replacement for them; I should have mentioned that.

Keep on sailing,

Ken Coit
CD/14 #538
CD/36 #84 Parfait
Hailing Port: Raleigh, NC
Sailing from: Beaufort, NC

I just want to point out that VHF communication is line of sight. What this means to you is that sitting in the cockpit of your Typhoon, you have much less range than if you mount an antennae at the top of the mast. The gallery may have other input but the handheld I believe has only about a 5 mile range. Whereas a top mounted antennae can give you about 25 miles of range. This is covered in Chapman's. A VHF is a must but if you only have one, I would make it a regular VHF and get the handheld as a backup or in case of a sinking.
Just my two cents.

Will Wheatley
Suzi Q
CD25
Sailing from Chesapeake Beach, MD

P.S. I got the Standard Horizon HX260S for $160.00. I think Bill Goldsmith got a better unit for the price, considering all the extras.

I have one too. It seems like a dream come true. Must be something wrong with it, but I haven't figured out what yet.

Ken

Patrick,

Congratulations for purchasing a wonderful boat. It will take care of you as you learn to sail.

I swear by the Horizon HX350S, particularly if it will be your only radio. Here's what I like about it:

-completely submersible--lessens the chance of failure as it will be your only radio.
--very long battery life--comes with a rechargeable pack that just keeps on going......
--Has a supplemental battery clip that holds AA batteries--if your rechargeable pack runs out, just flip out that pack and put in the AA pack--all still submersible.
--Has a desktop charger.
--Has a cigarette lighter adapter--can recharge in the car or on boat with such receptacle.
--Street price is $199, a bit steeper than other handhelds, less than others. However, since all the above is included (radio, rechargeable pack, AA clip, cig. lighter cord, desktop charger) it's actually a good deal as other brands charge extra or don't offer some of these options. As it will be your only radio, I would put flexibility and reliability at the top of the list of requirements.

Performancewise, it works well. It has high/low power transmission, weather band, 16/9 quick buttons and easy to use channel scanning. Instructions are clear, just run through the functions with the manual in front of you and you'll be a pro in no time.

Since you're new to sailing, I'll risk responding outside the thread and suggest you purchase Chapman's Piloting Seamanship and Small Boat Handling. It's a tome, and you certainly don't need to learn it all. But if you need a question answered, it's probably covered in there. For instance, chapter 24 has a wealth of info on VHF, including handhelds.

As far as sailing lessons are concerned, why not befriend a local sailor who would probably jump at the chance to go out with you on your boat and show you the ropes for the price of a sandwich, some grog and good company?

Bill Goldsmith
CD27#173
Second Chance
Croton-on-Hudson, NY

parfaitNOSPAM@nc.rr.com

[Joe Sankey]

Hi everyone,

I've got so many questions I don't know where to start. I recently purchased my first sailboat, a CD Typhoon. Don't worry, I won't take up your time with a bunch of questions now. I read this board daily and I honestly respect everything you all have to say. I know from what I have read here that I should take sailing lessons BUT I can't afford sailing lessons. I'm going to take my "LEARN TO SAIL" book and go at it. One of the problems I have is that the wife says there's no way I'm going to wander out into Lake Ontario with no radio. I've been reading about handheld VHF's and my head is spinning. Can any of you fine folks recommend a good handheld VHF? There's a pretty good chance I'm going to need it. Thanks!!

Congratulations, Patrick. Great boat. I agree with the idea about a fixed mount 25 watt unit, but I recall that your boat likely doesn't have an electrical system to support it. When I had a Ty I installed a system and a VHF. That was way back when vhf was fairly new, and handhelds only a dream. I'd get a hand held based on the recommendations of this board, use it some and get a feeling for its limitations. Then, down the road, if you feel your safety is in question you can consider a battery, etc.
Joe Sankey
CD 30 Slow Dance



sankey@gulftel.com

[John R.]

Ken is right, a handheld has about 1/5th the range of a fixed radio. They come in 1 watt, 3 watt and 5 watt versions. Everyone probably agrees there are obvious pros and cons to each radio design, fixed or handheld. Ken is surely correct that having the radio at the helm is very advantageous; especially on board a boat with tiller steering which makes it more difficult to leave the helm to get to the radio in the cabin. However a *remote mic* system radio would eliminate that sort of problem and provide the advantage that a handheld would offer at the helm. The big difference is power and range, fixed radio vs handheld radio. Also don't overlook battery life in a handheld or the speaker clarity.

If I were alone on a body of water such as Lake Ontario in a small boat I would want the power of a fixed mount radio or increase the line of sight range of the handheld by getting the antenna higher. You can use a mast mount antenna with the handheld using a PL-259 remote antenna adapter on the radio. Those adapters are readily available and come in various types such as:
BNC to PL259
TNC to PL259
SMA to PL259

Unscrew the handheld radios antenna and mount the adapter in its place, then connect the coax PL-259 male plug from the masthead antenna lead to the handheld's adapter. That effectively increases your antenna height and line of sight. You will then be using the ships antenna with a handheld.

I use this arrangement on my CD30. I use a coax selector switch to choose which radio I want connected to the masthead antenna. I made about a 15' coax antenna lead with a PL259 male plug on the radio end and also a PL259 male plug on the other end. That cable can be connected to a connector in either the cockpit or in the cabin and the other end connected to the handheld.

I installed two through deck PL259 radio connectors, one is mounted in a panel in the cabin and another is mounted out in the cockpit. Those two connectors are coax cable connected to the selector switch along with the fixed mount radio.

There is also the small rigid emergency antenna that is connected to
that selector switch (this is provided with the switch). I also have a Shakespeare rubber ducky emergency antenna that can be plugged into the port on the selector switch normally used for the masthead antenna in case something should go wrong with the masthead antenna. It can also be connected directly to the handheld by using the adapter mentioned above. This rubber ducky antenna can be hoisted aloft if need be.

There are a lot of ways to configure VHF on a boat so think through your needs on that Ty and design accordingly. You can have a fixed radio with a remote mic and have the advantages of a fixed radio in the cabin with access at the helm but remember that the remote mic is also fixed where it is mounted at the helm. A handheld offers ultimate mobility and has it's advantages but lower power output, limited battery life and poor sound clarity can be a problem.

If it were me, I would install the fixed mount radio and associated antenna system. You can go with a remote mic capable system and add the remote mic at a later date if need be. Install the system so you can use an emergency antenna with it. If you want more freedom of motion then you will have to go with a handheld but a Ty is small, you would be in the cockpit most of the time and so that really shouldn't be an issue. You can always add a handheld to your communication gear later and think about providing additional antenna options as I previously outlined. Also, don't forget to take a cell phone with you. Keep in mind if you have to abandon ship that is where a waterproof handheld can have a real advantage but so can an Epirb which you should have on board if safety is the big issue.

[Dennis Truett]

Patrick,

Congratulations for purchasing a wonderful boat. It will take care of you as you learn to sail.

I swear by the Horizon HX350S, particularly if it will be your only radio. Here's what I like about it:

-completely submersible--lessens the chance of failure as it will be your only radio.
--very long battery life--comes with a rechargeable pack that just keeps on going......
--Has a supplemental battery clip that holds AA batteries--if your rechargeable pack runs out, just flip out that pack and put in the AA pack--all still submersible.
--Has a desktop charger.
--Has a cigarette lighter adapter--can recharge in the car or on boat with such receptacle.
--Street price is $199, a bit steeper than other handhelds, less than others. However, since all the above is included (radio, rechargeable pack, AA clip, cig. lighter cord, desktop charger) it's actually a good deal as other brands charge extra or don't offer some of these options. As it will be your only radio, I would put flexibility and reliability at the top of the list of requirements.

Performancewise, it works well. It has high/low power transmission, weather band, 16/9 quick buttons and easy to use channel scanning. Instructions are clear, just run through the functions with the manual in front of you and you'll be a pro in no time.

Since you're new to sailing, I'll risk responding outside the thread and suggest you purchase Chapman's Piloting Seamanship and Small Boat Handling. It's a tome, and you certainly don't need to learn it all. But if you need a question answered, it's probably covered in there. For instance, chapter 24 has a wealth of info on VHF, including handhelds.

As far as sailing lessons are concerned, why not befriend a local sailor who would probably jump at the chance to go out with you on your boat and show you the ropes for the price of a sandwich, some grog and good company?

Bill Goldsmith
CD27#173
Second Chance
Croton-on-Hudson, NY

Hi everyone,

I've got so many questions I don't know where to start. I recently purchased my first sailboat, a CD Typhoon. Don't worry, I won't take up your time with a bunch of questions now. I read this board daily and I honestly respect everything you all have to say. I know from what I have read here that I should take sailing lessons BUT I can't afford sailing lessons. I'm going to take my "LEARN TO SAIL" book and go at it. One of the problems I have is that the wife says there's no way I'm going to wander out into Lake Ontario with no radio. I've been reading about handheld VHF's and my head is spinning. Can any of you fine folks recommend a good handheld VHF? There's a pretty good chance I'm going to need it. Thanks!!

Pat,
Don't even consider a "shakespear" Model 700 like I did.
although the manufactuer says its waterproof, Practical Sailor says to is not at all waterproof. Also. I mounted my fixed radio on swivel mount just insude the doorway. It will rotate 180 degrees and face the cockpit so you can use it and hear it while sailing.

Good luck with the boat!

Dennis Truett
CD26D

[Neil Gordon]

I'd go for the handheld. Everything is a compromise... you give up range and you may give up some features. And it's unlikely you'll drop a mounted VHF overboard when you most need it. But...

The handheld is easy to keep within reach... even on your belt. Tether it to you and it won't be lost overboard. Fall overboard, and it goes into the water with you. (If you singlehand, that's a big plus!)

Consider where you'll be sailing and whether the shorter range will really be an issue. The five mile range has been mentioned, but from the top of the Coast Guard's antenna to your handheld, the visible horizon will be a lot more than that.

I have both on LIQUIDITY... the cabin mounted VHF is always on when we're sailing, monitoring channel 16. The handheld is close at hand in the cockpit... usually off to preserve battery life... but is the radio of choice if I'm calling someone or if a caller I hear on 16 is switching to another channel and I want to listen in.



neil@nrgordon.com

[John Nuttall]

.......you have some good and savvy advice about VHFs in the posts below.

But consider this, I offer it out of genuine concern. It's not to be misconstrued as a put down, I am just seeing your post from a different perspective:

Skip the VHF and use the money on sailing and safety lessons.

Learning how to handle your boat and read the water and weather could go alot farther towards ensuring your safety and increasing your enjoyment than jumping aboard with a book and a VHF and just winging it.......

Every weekend we hear dozens of calls from inexperienced boaters that get themselves into predicaments and call the USCG, Boat US, etc. to bail them out......and most of the "situations" are created by "operator error"......

Not to mention that you would be a hazard to the other boaters around you........

Spend your money on instructions, get good charts and know how to read them. Understand the local weather patterns and anticipate how they affect your local sailing venue. Understand the Navigational Aids and rules........Don't go out there unless you are confident you can get back on your own......

If lessons are too steep, barter !!! Maybe your instructor has a need for something you do well......Or maybe the instructor just needs a boat cleaning......

Now I know Sailing isn't rocket science (it's harder.... hehehe), and I hope I am not coming accross as harsh.....and I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm......

It's just that I want you to have a second sail on your new boat, and I believe knowledge and skill will do alot more to achieve that than a handheld VHF.......

Cheers......have fun,
John
s/v Aimless
CD31
s/v Wanderer
CD10
Oriental, NC

ps: you can borrow a handheld or take a cell phone as a backup....

[sloopjohnl]

tough love and great advice!!!! twenty-years ago i learned an enormous amount from the US Power Squadron in classes taught at the local high school night-school - from trailers to charts to rules of the road.
other than actual boat-handling it taught me enough to feel confident to charter a thirty-footer on the Chesapeake and find my way around the middle of the bay as a rookie.

.......you have some good and savvy advice about VHFs in the posts below.

But consider this, I offer it out of genuine concern. It's not to be misconstrued as a put down, I am just seeing your post from a different perspective:

Skip the VHF and use the money on sailing and safety lessons.

Learning how to handle your boat and read the water and weather could go alot farther towards ensuring your safety and increasing your enjoyment than jumping aboard with a book and a VHF and just winging it.......

Every weekend we hear dozens of calls from inexperienced boaters that get themselves into predicaments and call the USCG, Boat US, etc. to bail them out......and most of the "situations" are created by "operator error"......

Not to mention that you would be a hazard to the other boaters around you........

Spend your money on instructions, get good charts and know how to read them. Understand the local weather patterns and anticipate how they affect your local sailing venue. Understand the Navigational Aids and rules........Don't go out there unless you are confident you can get back on your own......

If lessons are too steep, barter !!! Maybe your instructor has a need for something you do well......Or maybe the instructor just needs a boat cleaning......

Now I know Sailing isn't rocket science (it's harder.... hehehe), and I hope I am not coming accross as harsh.....and I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm......

It's just that I want you to have a second sail on your new boat, and I believe knowledge and skill will do alot more to achieve that than a handheld VHF.......

Cheers......have fun,
John
s/v Aimless
CD31
s/v Wanderer
CD10
Oriental, NC

ps: you can borrow a handheld or take a cell phone as a backup....

[Ken Coit]

While I consider education primary, I also think that a skipper that is not equipped with a VHF and has it turned on is negligent at best and risking life and limb at worst. Some days it just takes a moment to lose your life and a warning from another boater via VHF might save the day.

It may be that the only way a tugboat can get you out of the way, without pushing, is to contact you by VHF. Get educated and get VHF too!

Keep on sailing,

Ken Coit
CD/14 #538
CD/36 #84 Parfait
Hailing Port: Raleigh, NC
Sailing from: Beaufort, NC

.......you have some good and savvy advice about VHFs in the posts below.

But consider this, I offer it out of genuine concern. It's not to be misconstrued as a put down, I am just seeing your post from a different perspective:

Skip the VHF and use the money on sailing and safety lessons.

Learning how to handle your boat and read the water and weather could go alot farther towards ensuring your safety and increasing your enjoyment than jumping aboard with a book and a VHF and just winging it.......

Every weekend we hear dozens of calls from inexperienced boaters that get themselves into predicaments and call the USCG, Boat US, etc. to bail them out......and most of the "situations" are created by "operator error"......

Not to mention that you would be a hazard to the other boaters around you........

Spend your money on instructions, get good charts and know how to read them. Understand the local weather patterns and anticipate how they affect your local sailing venue. Understand the Navigational Aids and rules........Don't go out there unless you are confident you can get back on your own......

If lessons are too steep, barter !!! Maybe your instructor has a need for something you do well......Or maybe the instructor just needs a boat cleaning......

Now I know Sailing isn't rocket science (it's harder.... hehehe), and I hope I am not coming accross as harsh.....and I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm......

It's just that I want you to have a second sail on your new boat, and I believe knowledge and skill will do alot more to achieve that than a handheld VHF.......

Cheers......have fun,
John
s/v Aimless
CD31
s/v Wanderer
CD10
Oriental, NC

ps: you can borrow a handheld or take a cell phone as a backup....

parfaitNOSPAM@nc.rr.com