Handheld GPS w/VHF radio? - Page 2

sailingdog · #11 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011

Just remember, the MMSI follows your boat, so if you're using it on a friend's boat, and you trigger the DSC and have your MMSI in the unit, you're going to cause problems.

rmeador · #12 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011

Very true... I actually started a thread a while back about that very issue. Not using DSC when on a friend's boat is probably advised, but if you're in a really dire situation it might still be worth doing. If they come to your position, regardless of what boat they think you're in, you're still getting rescued. And if it's a genuine emergency, you shouldn't be subject to any civil or criminal penalties, since the law says you can do all sorts of "illegal" radio things if it's in a good faith effort to save someone's life.

sailingdog · #13 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011

Yes, but the problem is that the MMSI has an attached boat description. If you sail on a 40' white Catalina and you're actually on your friend's 34' Blue Tartan, then the SAR people may pass you by completely, since the radio does not have a SAR Transponder, like an EPIRB does.

That may actually increase the time it takes them to find you, since they'll be looking for a totally different boat and NOT FINDING IT.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmeador

Very true... I actually started a thread a while back about that very issue. Not using DSC when on a friend's boat is probably advised, but if you're in a really dire situation it might still be worth doing. If they come to your position, regardless of what boat they think you're in, you're still getting rescued. And if it's a genuine emergency, you shouldn't be subject to any civil or criminal penalties, since the law says you can do all sorts of "illegal" radio things if it's in a good faith effort to save someone's life.

RealityCheck · #14 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011

I also have a SH HX850S and love it. My main VHF is at the Nav Station which is of no use in the cockpit when doing things like docking at a strange marina. It is been in use for more than 18 months in the Carib and the GPS tracks with my main GPSChartPloter. On longer passages I keep a chart marked frequently with points so if someone turns off the GPS in da sky.... I still have a back up in knowing where I am.

Yep it floats... and it has a nice clip to latch to your life vest. So if you find yourself overboard Just pull up the red flat and mash the button.... eventually someone will find your body and recover the radio.............

PaulinVictoria · #15 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011

The SH HX851 (I think that's the new one) has waypoint functionality on the GPS side now as well. Was launched pretty recently and a few vendors at the boat show in Seattle were knocking out the previous model for $180. As far as I can make out, the GPS navigation is the only change between the units. I was tempted to get one but ended up spending my allowance on something else instead.

rmeador · #16 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011

IIRC, the HX851 also has a glow in the dark gasket, which could make it easier to find in the dark. I couldn't justify the increased cost of it for such trivial-seeming improvements, so I asked my parents for the HX850S and that's what I got.

eherlihy · #17 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011

If the OP is looking for a handheld VHF recommendation, and I believe that he is/was, I recommend the iCom M34 radio. A friend has the SH HX850, and when we tried compared them, we found that the iCom was much clearer when transmitting. The iCom is also currently ~$145.

To 'Dog's point, if you want a portable GPS, buy that as a separate unit. The integrated GPS/VHF is not a good choice if you change boats often. I suggest keeping the GPS and VHF functions separate, until you get a boat.

When I was chartering boats, and belonged to a sailing club, I purchased a handheld VHF and GPS for the very reason that you cite.

The GPS that I purchased, a Garmin GPSmap 487, is no longer available. The replacement, the GPSmap 640, uses a touch screen - a feature that I don't like. If I were in your situation, I would probably look at the Garmin GPSMAP78 (MSRP~$350, street price ~$275).

Joesaila · #18 (**permalink**) 02-05-2011

I use a Garmin Rino for land nav and it's super. It's also a radio. I hunt w a friend and if he is half a mile into a swamp he pushes a button and his location locks on my screen. Waypoints are a must for any marine gps. I think it's a great idea as a backup...Now if they just make one for mariners I'd be a happy clam

sailingdog · #19 (**permalink**) 02-05-2011

I'd point out that the Rino is not a VHF radio IIRC. IIRC, it is a FRS radio.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joesaila

I use a Garmin Rino for land nav and it's super. It's also a radio. I hunt w a friend and if he is half a mile into a swamp he pushes a button and his location locks on my screen. Waypoints are a must for any marine gps. I think it's a great idea as a backup...Now if they just make one for mariners I'd be a happy clam

LinekinBayCD · #20 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

It also becomes a single point of failure... if it dies, you lose both the VHF and the GPS.

I'd expect that the boat club's boats are equiped with the basics including a fixed a VHF. If the combo is only being used as a backup OK. If it would be the only VHF I'd get separate VHF and GPS units.

I chartered for 20-25 years before buying my boat. For last 15-20 of chartering I carried my own handhekd VHS as a back up and a handhelf GPS shortly after they staryed to become available. I'd get separate units. They will be useful even when you get your own boat.