VHF vs Cell

[SiXeVeN]

This may be a stupid question but I need to ask it. I live in a very dense boating area with LOTS of VHF traffic. I have always had a VHF radio but it seems lately, I have had better luck reaching a marina or mooring field office by calling on my cell. Communication is easier, quicker, and less frustrating. In fact, frequently, I have better range with my cell as there always seems to be some idiot transmitting at 25w and blowing out everyone else's signal.

I am now beginning to wonder if the cell phone is now a better communication device than the VHF?

Obviously VHF has weather and of course channel 16 for emergencies, but honestly, if I was in trouble I would probably try my cell first! Weather is an easy phone call too.

In fact, the only reason I find for keeping a VHF is to recieve calls from others who might be in trouble and nearby. Although last time I heard a distress call that sounded nearby some idiot kept transmitting over the top of the emergency and I never could get a location. (Hence my reluctance to use VHF if I have an emergency)

I bring this up because A) frustration B) My Vhf is dying, C) my mast coax needs to be replaced and i'm trying to justify not doing it

Anyway, not really a specific question, but any comments are welcome.

BTW... An interesting fact I have noticed. The maximum range I have ever been able to speak with someone over VHF has been about 16 miles. It was a difficult conversation.

I still have bars of reception with my cell phone 30 miles out! I have had a normal conversation at 25 miles out!

According to a google search... The maximum range of a cell phone over flat ground is about 45-50 miles!

[Freesail99]

I spend the $100 plus on a new vhf, calling mayday on a cell can get you pushing up daisy's.

[sailingdog]

The biggest problem is that a cell phone is a point-to-point device, and if the person on the other end doesn't answer, you're screwed.

VHF is a broadcast device, so if you call for help on a VHF, everyone in the nearby area is going to know you need help, and chances of help arriving in a timely fashion is much higher. Also, the USCG can generally get a rough location from your broadcast, since they are supposed to have RDF equipment for that purpose. Tracking a cell phone's position is generally a bit more difficult.

Getting a new VHF with DSC capabilities and connecting it to a GPS unit is a really good idea. It makes calling for help in an emergency almost idiot proof. Just make sure the GPS is on and then hit the red button on the VHF. It will broadcast your MMSI and the location from the GPS. The MMSI will tell the USCG what boat it is, and give them a fairly decent description of your boat.

[labatt]

The Coast Guard monitors Channel 16. Other boaters monitor Channel 16. I want as many people as possible to hear a distress call.

[Gryzio]

I will always have a VHF and a backup to replace it. My VHF is on 24/7 if I am on the boat.

I do take my Cell phone and have USCG and various other numbers in my Phone Book in the Cell. Actually called the Army Corps of Engineers the other day for information on lake Okeechobee water levels.

I also have a CB and HF Ham Radio. Looking into the wireless inet for my old laptop.

This all may sound like over kill, but, I have friends who will contact me through all of these, except the VHF. I not use my VHF for pleasure talk.

This how I do and all I can offer. Hope it help.

[chucklesR]

Calling one place - use the cell.
Calling for help - or the boat 500 yards away (who's # you don't have) - use the VHF.

[artbyjody]

It is good to have both actually.

Last summer I was involved with a vessel in distress, and after trying to communicate on VHF channel 16 - the Coast Guard actually instructed me to talk to them via my cell phone to get more accurate information due to the clutter on the airwaves...

You can't go wrong with either but if you are on the water - its imperative to have a VHF...it really is that simple....to rely merely on a cell phone thinking only of costs and that it is a mere inconvenience for replacing or fixing your VHF could be disastrous...

BTW - rarely does the whole cable need to be replaced - usually a good tuning or fixing the coax connectors are the trick....you may not need to replace the coax at all....

[SiXeVeN]

I certainly agree with the above.... My "question" was more rhetorical in nature.

BUT, to play devils advocate and cite some examples...

My neighbor had a MOB event at night, in the Gulf, on his 16' flats boat. (Yes, he is an idiot) He did not have a VHF and called 911 with his cell. He was immediately connected to USCG who sent help. His overboard buddy was on the shore in less than 20 min.

The last VHF distress call I heard (as I described previously) had some moron transmitting a message to someone else again and Again and AGAIN over the emergency call. (it sounded like a fisherman trying to coax his buddy over to his fishing spot) The rest of us could not catch the distress calls location. USCG tried to shut the moron up but he was too dense to realize he was being addressed by the USCG. This whole process went on for minutes and when it finally stopped the distress call was no longer transmitting.

I did not hear of any tragedies on the news so I assume they were OK but still.... Not the most comforting situation.

Yes, cell is point to point but 911 always answers and can connect you to help. Plus, communication is VASTLY improved.

[JohnRPollard]

For all the reasons previously cited, I would recommend fixing your VHF. Usually your best chance for rescue is from other boaters in your vicinity.

It's discouraging to here your reports of someone over-talking a distress call on VHF. Unfortunately, many boaters (dare I say "powerboaters") don't understand VHF protocol. Some seem to think it can be used as a chat line, which is expressly prohibited by law (even on the so-called "working channels"). Still others aren't even familiar with the significance of basic urgent message pre-fixes beyond MAYDAY (like "Pan-Pan", "Securite", and "Silence") or that they are all rendered in french.

Your region sounds particularly afflicted. Maybe the CG should step up education and enforcement.

[SiXeVeN]

the boat 500 yards away (who's # you don't have) - use the VHF.

That is a whole other topic! What has happened to radio etiquette or procedure. (Part of my VHF frustration). I can't tell you how many times I have hailed a vessel BY NAME and never heard a reply. I think most people simply do not monitor their radio.

About 2 months ago a huge Carver yacht goes by a loses about 4 nice sized fenders off the deck. I hail the boat by name. No response. I hail him by boat and location. Carver yacht with blue trim at daymarker 37... No response.

Between the people who don't use their radio and the people who do (chatter) on busy days it has become almost useless for communication.