VHF Radios

Fishfood · Sun Sep 08, 2019 4:59 pm

Afternoon Fishos, can anyone recomend an affordable VHF unit for kayak use? With prices ranging from just over a hundie to north of a grand, this paddler is confused. Obviously phrases like 'partialy submersable' are a bit of a clue, but what else should I be looking for?

Hairy Little Dwarf · Sun Sep 08, 2019 5:31 pm

Based where you are, and assuming you only fish "coastal", then 3W will likely suffice, but upgrading to 5W will give you that boost when you need it.
Any unit rated IPx7, or IPx8 (forget any numbers that replace the 'x' - that's for dust). A drybag is recommended, but if you look after the kit well post-paddle, then not essential.

Floating units aren't really relevant for kayaking as it'll be tethered to your PFD.

What you do want :
Nice big display
Big fat buttons for cold, possibly panicky, fingers
Not so cumbersome you leave it behind as it's a pain.

DSC distress functions, at this point in time (as far as I am aware) NZ doesn't support this.

Factor in $30-$40 for a Coastguard VHF Operators certificate too, while anyone can use a VHF to broadcast a distress, it makes sense to know what the bod on the other end wants to know.

Avoid second hand until you know what you're looking for in terms of wear and tear.

I would suggest something like this as a minimum https://www.marine-deals.co.nz/handheld ... f-radio-3w

VHF always trumps cellphone when the excrement hits the air-shifter.

Mac50L · Sun Sep 08, 2019 9:06 pm

If you don't get a licence or do the course, this will give you some hints as to procedures -
https://canterburyseakayak.wordpress.com/documents/

Mayday and PanPan Call Format
https://canterburyseakayak.wordpress.co ... ll-format/

The most important thing to do, having removed your new radio from its box, is to switch it to the International setup. The options are UIC.

U is for use in the USA

C is for use in Canada

I is for use in the rest of the world, including New Zealand

If you don’t do this, on some channels you will not hear a reply to your call.

B0ydie · Mon Sep 09, 2019 9:53 am

marine deals have the below on special this week I have had an icon for the last 4 yrs no issues at all and really clear

https://www.marine-deals.co.nz/icom-ic- ... ekly+Deals

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Hairy Little Dwarf · Mon Sep 09, 2019 3:21 pm

Didn't spot that one B0ydie

For sure, if you can grab an Icom you're getting a premium bit of kit.

Fishfood · Mon Sep 09, 2019 6:47 pm

Thanks again, have just bought the IC-M25 from Marine Deals. Now does anyone know how to sort this weather out?

awondering · Tue Sep 10, 2019 7:05 am

It’s a very good unit, good Choice mate

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Waylander · Tue Sep 10, 2019 7:38 am

Fishfood wrote: ↑Mon Sep 09, 2019 6:47 pm Now does anyone know how to sort this weather out?

3 chicken livers, 1 half a newt and some charcoal mixed into your hair, then dance in ya birthday suit during the full moon

Fishfood · Wed Sep 11, 2019 5:43 pm

Shiny new wireless has arrived in the post. FYI Coastgaurd course for Maritime VHF Radio Cerificate is $90 for the online course or $125 for the 6 hour classroom option.

awondering · Wed Sep 11, 2019 7:48 pm

Good onya for doing it mate

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Hairy Little Dwarf · Thu Sep 12, 2019 6:09 pm

Fishfood wrote: ↑Wed Sep 11, 2019 5:43 pm Shiny new wireless has arrived in the post. FYI Coastgaurd course for Maritime VHF Radio Cerificate is $90 for the online course or $125 for the 6 hour classroom option.

Jaysus that's gone up in the last couple of years!

twobarefeet · Fri Sep 13, 2019 6:30 am

Yea crap that's gone up big time.

I think I did it 18months ago, I'm sure it was around $50ish.

dedant · Fri Sep 13, 2019 8:08 am

Hairy Little Dwarf wrote: ↑Thu Sep 12, 2019 6:09 pm
Fishfood wrote: ↑Wed Sep 11, 2019 5:43 pm Shiny new wireless has arrived in the post. FYI Coastgaurd course for Maritime VHF Radio Cerificate is $90 for the online course or $125 for the 6 hour classroom option.
Jaysus that's gone up in the last couple of years!

I sat the course as part of the Boatmaster cert. around 1994 ish. Can’t remember the price. There was no “ pan pan “ that I remember, maybe I should do a refresher. But I need the money for another kayak.

HookiT · Fri Sep 13, 2019 9:15 am

dedant wrote: ↑Fri Sep 13, 2019 8:08 am
Hairy Little Dwarf wrote: ↑Thu Sep 12, 2019 6:09 pm
Fishfood wrote: ↑Wed Sep 11, 2019 5:43 pm Shiny new wireless has arrived in the post. FYI Coastgaurd course for Maritime VHF Radio Cerificate is $90 for the online course or $125 for the 6 hour classroom option.
Jaysus that's gone up in the last couple of years!
I sat the course as part of the Boatmaster cert. around 1994 ish. Can’t remember the price. There was no “ pan pan “ that I remember, maybe I should do a refresher. But I need the money for another kayak.

There has always been a Pan Pan. Used for urgent message when lives or vessels are not in immediate danger. Pan Pan Pan Pan Pan Pan ! It would seem you do need to do that refresher course. Hard to believe one would forget the three most important words at sea.. MAYDAY...PAN PAN... SECURITE..