Need a new marine radio. 27mhz or UHF or VHF?

[ChrisAbout]

I just ripped out my old GME GX300 27mhz marine radio (which was not working) and I am keen to go and gear up with a new one + a new antenna (the old one broke last week on the water).

However I'm unsure what I must get. I will require something that is of use whilst I am fishing out wide offshore.

The price difference isn't huge. Was considering between these two.

GME GX700 VHF Marine Radio
http://www.chsmith.com.au/Products/GME- ... Radio.html

GME GX400 27MHz Marine Radio
http://www.chsmith.com.au/Products/GME- ... Radio.html

[frozenpod]

If you can only install one, VHF is the way to go.

More power clearer signal ect and less w**** talking ****.

[Sinsemilla]

Im not 100% but i think vhf has more range when further offshore.

Anth

[nmgar]

I believe you will need a licence to operate a VHF radio, but not a 27mhz.

I ordered a VHF as I have been told that they are better monitored.

[4liters]

I believe you will need a licence to operate a VHF radio, but not a 27mhz.

I ordered a VHF as I have been told that they are better monitored.

You need a licence to use it normally but it's fine to use it in an emergency without a licence from what I understand

[chocolatemoose]

UHF isnt really used in the rec marine world
27mghz is still free and open. with only really GME supporting it with their GX400 model.
VHF does require a license "hough its now easier and cheaper to obtain" to be an OPERATOR. so... it goes a bit like this. if you have it on your boat, have it on and listening, or use it in the event of an emergency. your all good. any other time you need to be licensed.... its worth doing the course anyway

Sooooo many brands to chose from
Simrad, lowrance,GME,icom,raymarine,standard horizion, uniden, garmin, that funny little one i cant remember,

mose

[Wolly Bugger]

I just ripped out my old GME GX300 27mhz marine radio (which was not working) and I am keen to go and gear up with a new one + a new antenna (the old one broke last week on the water).

However I'm unsure what I must get. I will require something that is of use whilst I am fishing out wide offshore.

The price difference isn't huge. Was considering between these two.

GME GX700 VHF Marine Radio
http://www.chsmith.com.au/Products/GME- ... Radio.html

GME GX400 27MHz Marine Radio
http://www.chsmith.com.au/Products/GME- ... Radio.html

OK if you are going to fish the salt, especially off shore, then get the VHF, with the DSC button.

Now there are some VHF radio's that have an inbuilt GPS or it can be wired to your GPS unit in the boat. Basically the DSC button sends a signal that contains your co-ordinates. This can be pick up by other boats, within your vicinity.

[barra mick]

I have a vhf in my boat for the salt.

Works magnificent 80 percent of the places I fish.

I dont have a licence.

I have a uhf in the boat for fresh water or talking to cars.

Works great...esp using the repeater stations.

I also have a sat phone when along way from people or radio nerworks.

Bm

[ChrisAbout]

UHF isnt really used in the rec marine world
27mghz is still free and open. with only really GME supporting it with their GX400 model.
VHF does require a license "hough its now easier and cheaper to obtain" to be an OPERATOR. so... it goes a bit like this. if you have it on your boat, have it on and listening, or use it in the event of an emergency. your all good. any other time you need to be licensed.... its worth doing the course anyway

Sooooo many brands to chose from
Simrad, lowrance,GME,icom,raymarine,standard horizion, uniden, garmin, that funny little one i cant remember,

mose

So does this mean that with a VHF unless I am licensed, I am not allowed to use it to communicate with other boats, unless its an emergency?

In other words, if I go on the water with a group of boats, I will not be able to the VHF to set a channel and communicate with them like I could with a 27mhz or CB radio?

[Wolly Bugger]

UHF isnt really used in the rec marine world
27mghz is still free and open. with only really GME supporting it with their GX400 model.
VHF does require a license "hough its now easier and cheaper to obtain" to be an OPERATOR. so... it goes a bit like this. if you have it on your boat, have it on and listening, or use it in the event of an emergency. your all good. any other time you need to be licensed.... its worth doing the course anyway

Sooooo many brands to chose from
Simrad, lowrance,GME,icom,raymarine,standard horizion, uniden, garmin, that funny little one i cant remember,

mose

So does this mean that with a VHF unless I am licensed, I am not allowed to use it to communicate with other boats, unless its an emergency?

In other words, if I go on the water with a group of boats, I will not be able to the VHF to set a channel and communicate with them like I could with a 27mhz or CB radio?

It is illegal to operate a VHF radio without a license except in an emergency. However have you ever tried to identify who is talking to who on the radios out on the ocean?

I obtained my license, it is a one off fee and you are licensed for life. The course is more about the correct use in an emergency situation and protocol.