Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
I'm looking for a good VHF and seeking input on handheld vs. build-in. Mounting the antenna & snaking the coax sounds like a commotion. I'm cruising an inland lake 20 miles across at maximum. Is a handheld radio a liability? Is the build-in worth the hassle?
I have had a problem getting out with a hand held, even ten miles away. The antenna is just too low to the ground. I started with a hand held and went to a mounted unit. I also found the on an inland lake that you might have better luck getting hold of someone with a CB radio than a VHF. There are just more people out there listening. So when I ran the antenna up to the top of the mast I put a coax switch in so I could go between the VHF and the CB. And while I was at it I put a splitter in for the AM/FM radio too, which really helped the reception. So once the antenna is up there it sure does get some use. For sure it is a pain running the coax up and mounting the antenna. But I think it was well worth it.
I can't be much help with the inland lake scenario because I sail exclusively on the ocean, 12 miles from my house. I have both a Standard Horizon Intrepid VHF with DSC capability, as well as a Standard Horizon HX150S handheld. We have used both units since we purchased the boat new in 2000. We are happy with both.
The handheld actually gets the most use, as it is kept in the cockpit locker. I think the handheld has only 5 watts transmission power, as opposed to the higher output of the Intrepid, but it meets most of out needs, as we are rarely more than a few miles off shore. Someday I plan to install the second mike for the Intrepid in the cockpit, just in case we ever need the extra power. I've just been too busy sailing. There are some good prices available now - you might consider getting both.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.