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VHF Radio in the cockpit

14K views 62 replies 32 participants last post by  hellosailor 
#1 ·
So our 35' has a vhf radio mounted in the cockpit and one inside the cabin. The one in the cockpit is in the way, and people run into it all the time. I might relocate it to a better position, but I'm also considering just removing it entirely ... just relying on the cabin radio and my handheld VHF.

Honestly, in the four seasons I've had this vessel, I've used it once in a non-emergency. Cell phones seem to be our primary means of communication now.

Is there really any argument (or requirement) for keeping the radio in the cockpit?
 
#2 ·
On the MC I had a base unit in the cabin and used a handheld in the cockpit. This worked fine until I got a call from another boat that the base unit would pick up but my handheld did not have the range to reply. That made me think what happens if I need to call the CG etc. I single hand and in rough conditions can not leave the helm long enough to go below and make/answer a call. I have moved my base unit to the edge of the companionway and can now use it and stay at the helm. So I think it is important to have long range radio accessible from the cockpit unless you are always only a few miles from help. Dan S/V Marian Claire
 
#3 ·
Unless your radio in the cabin is accessible from the cockpit, I would leave the one in the cockpit. Maybe you can relocate it or go to something more low profile like a ram mic.

There are many situations where having the ability to speak to someone without going below is extremely helpful. For example, if you are sailing in fog, the last thing that you want to do is go down below. Basically, any tight quarters sailing/motoring is probably a situation where going below doesn't make sense. Also, can you hear the VHF down below if you are motoring?

From a strictly safety standpoint, unless you have an EPIRB, the best way to call for help is with your VHF. There are plenty of situations where the unit may still be working but you don't want to go down below including sinking, fire, etc. I have read more than one report where the conclusion was that a distress call could have been made if the radio could have been operated from on deck.

I don't know what type of sailing you do and if you stay very close to your home marina and are in protected waters without much fog, then using a handheld in the cockpit is probably acceptable but a fixed mount as well as the handheld is always better.
 
#4 ·
I suppose it's a judgement call.

I would consider where you sail (dangers/traffic) into the equation. I would also consider if you sail with crew regularly. If you have a crew/people to work with, they can make calls while you stay on the helm, for example. So ultimately I don't think it would be irresponsible to remove the cockpit VHF provide there are no aggravating factors which suggest you keep it to be responsible (and it doesn't sound like there are).
 
#5 ·
Does your cabin VHF radio have the option of adding a remote mic? When I upgraded my VHF radio (to include DSC) on my last boat I made sure I purchased one with that option. I then mounted the remote mic right near the helm. It included all the controls to change channels, volume, make an emergency call etc. I'll probably do the same thing on my new boat.
 
#9 ·
Like Jiminri, our radio--a Standard Horizon--is mounted in a nice safe spot at the Nav Table but is connected to a wired "RAM" Mic with full functionality in the cockpit (and we have a spare RAM Mic "just in case" as they're relatively cheap). These days, there are several VHF Radios available that allow the use of a wireless RAM Mic (several in some cases) which is an improvement over ours considering what a PITA running wiring to a cockpit might be. As a back-up and for close in comm's we also have a hand held that we keep tethered to the Binnacle or to the helmsman--so it doesn't take a dive over the side although it will float. (We also have small, waterproof, individual VHF's on each safety harness just in case a crew goes for an unexpected swim during foul weather.) I find the foregoing arrangement works very well.

FWIW...
 
#17 ·
These days, there are several VHF Radios available that allow the use of a wireless RAM Mic (several in some cases) which is an improvement over ours considering what a PITA running wiring to a cockpit might be. FWIW...
Thanks HyLyte! That's a great nugget of info...I've never heard of a wireless RAM Mic. I'm going to have to try to find one of those. What a great invention. Running cable is a pain but, even worse, I hate drilling holes in my boat. Nice to avoid both.
 
#11 ·
I just ordered a Standard Horizon gx1700. It has a GPS built into it, and can accept a remote mic (RAM3). Once I get it installed, I'll make the decision about getting the RAM3 mic for the cockpit. However, such a mic should have two advantages: it will essentially give me a 25W VHF in the cockpit; and it will also give me a new "handheld" GPS receiver, that basically has unlimited battery power and is always tethered to the boat (don't ask). Of course, this particular radio also has the advantage that the GPS is already wired into it, so it's automatically integrated with the DSC.
 
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#21 ·
I really like the integrated GPS. And of course that makes sense. Now that GPS's are in every single phone they are a cheap commodity. For $200 that's the thing to get. Too bad I bought the $120 west marine radio two years ago...

I respectfully disagree. A narrow channel with cross wind or current, a congested area with a bunch of Saturday afternoon six-packers "buzzing" around, following seas where controlling the boat is a full time job. The last thing I want to do is leave the cockpit. Dan S/V Marian Claire
I agree with this. I hate leaving the cockpit when I don't have too. I usually have crew but often they have 0 experience which is actually worse than single handing. Especially when you're trying to show them a good time. So having as many things accessible in the cockpit is ideal and leads to less stressful sailing. My boat is small enough that I have an ok situation with the radio mounted just inside the companionway with a spot for the mic to wrap around into the cockpit. Although reaching the mic while holding the tiller is still a stretch.
 
#12 ·
If one does choose to mount a VHF in the cockpit, Where does one put it? I had thought of getting one of those smoked covers you put over a stereo in like a ski boat, but the mic wouldn't fit in there.
 
#13 ·
Traditionally, sailboats have had their radios in the cabin to keep them dry and safe. Nowadays, most new radios are "waterproof" (note the quotes), making it tempting to install the VHF in the cockpit. However, "waterproof" is a relative term, UV always takes its toll, and having electronics visible and somewhat accessible to every ne'er-do-well in the marina is tempting fate, IMHO.
 
#18 ·
I had the same problem of not having a fixed radio in the cockpit, but only a handheld. The cheapest solution was to buy an extension speaker, about $10 and wire it to the nav station VHF. The wire goes accross the floor and out into the cockpit, a bit messy but it also means I can take the speaker to wherever I am sleeping, normally the forward cabin.
 
#20 ·
I moved my VHF to the companionway where it can be operated from inside or outside. Recently though, I've been re-thinking how I will use the radio.

I always monitor 16, because I think it's the right thing to do, but fortunately/unfortunately for me the previous owner did a great job with the antenna and wiring and I have a really long range. What that means is that in the summer I hear every Tom, Dick & Harry calling each other on the radio all day. I find that the constant radio chatter interferes with my wanting to be at one with nature, enjoy the peace and quite of sailing etc.

What I will try next summer is have my handheld attached to my PFD and use that to monitor 16. My thinking is that I can receive all the coast guard broadcasts on this (because their antennas are on the tops of mountains) and any boat that wants to call me, or is in distress but CLOSE enough for me to actually be able to help can also be received with this radio.

Basically, I don't want to receive any transmissions (except the coast guard) that originated, say, more than 15KM away. A boat hailing me would likely be line of site, and any mayday beyond that distance is 2-3hrs motor away and I would not likely be of any help. Besides, most maydays are re-broadcast by the coast guard anyway.

Hopefully this will reduce the unnecessary chatter, but still allow me to keep an effective radio watch. The main unit can be used for my own mayday call if needed.

MedSailor
 
#25 ·
to answer my own question above, I may still do a cockpit radio. I have room in my enormous navpod, and I love the idea of having the full GPS/radio screen as redundant at the helm. The standard horizon radios are only 3-1/2 inches deep.
 
#26 ·
I'm sure you'll check the Compass Safe Distance beforehand, No?
 
#27 ·
I realize it's heresy, but I never even look at the compass. I am a GPS man. I know, you respond, "But what happens if the GPS system goes out?" To which I then reply "if the GPS system goes out that probably means all out war, so I have worse problems to think about."

If I really needed the compass, I am sure I could switch off the radio and use the one in the cabin.

Okay further to that, would a radio give off enough heat that keeping it in the navpod would kill anything?
 
#28 ·
The VHF only generates significant heat when transmitting and that's just in short bursts. Also consider all the VHF's mounted in the nav station jammed in with lots of other electrics. The navpod (on the cockpit I assume) is better from a heat perspective than that.
 
#29 ·
I guess that a station at hand from the one that is handling the boat makes all the sense if he sails solo or have not a crew that can operate the radio when needed. I can see some occasions where that would be almost indispensable, or at least very useful, like when you have all the hands controlling the boat and don't fell safe to leave cockpit with the boat on autopilot and go behind to talk at the radio...and that sometimes take time. Sure, you can put down the sails, or have a reef, but that is a lot of trouble.

Regarding the occasions, I give you a recent example: Sailing at night with wind and going fast with a big ship that I was seeing constantly on the same bearing regarding my boat and as all know, probably on a Collision course. I have asked my wife to call the ship and ask them if they were seeing us. It took some minutes, they replied yes they were seeing us...and changed course:D

I want to point out another system that can be used as a communication device replacing an outside conventional station: the modern no wires remote controls for autopilot have a function that (if the radio is a modern one from the same brand) permits to use it as a remote control station, I mean to hear and to speak, and has the thing is very small and normally is around your neck, it will not by an obstacle for nobody.

My boat come with one but I have to say that with so many new things and gadgets to learn how to use properly I have not yet used it (just tried it) but I guess that with time to get used to it, it will be a nice and useful equipment.

Regards

Paulo
 
#33 ·
I have:

usually 4 or 5 GPS devices on board

and

No idea when the compass was last swung

and

of course no deviation card.

and a good set of paper charts that I do find very useful for global views when using the chart plotter up close.

All that having been said, my sailing is primarily the Great Lakes version of coastal sailing. It's pretty hard to get really lost.
 
#34 ·
We have this Garmin wirelss Mic at the helm and it is invaluable. Even works in the dinghy up to about 1/2 mile away from the mothership. Uses the 25 watt main antanena and gets 10-12 hours battery life ( dpends on transmission usagenormally. Charger is in cabon next to main VHF.

Had a Uniden Wirelss before.

Garmin 010-11189-01
 
#53 ·
We have this Garmin wirelss Mic at the helm and it is invaluable. Even works in the dinghy up to about 1/2 mile away from the mothership. Uses the 25 watt main antanena and gets 10-12 hours battery life ( dpends on transmission usagenormally. Charger is in cabon next to main VHF.Had a Uniden Wirelss before.
I assumed the mic was also a speaker, but saw a speaker was requrired for it to act as an "intercom". How do you hear it when used as a VHF remote?
 
#35 · (Edited)
OK,, I think "I" have the absolute coolest remote VHF handheld for the cockpit. The primary cabin VHF is a Simrad RS25 (25 Watt output) and it comes with a Simrad (AHK05) cockpit remote handheld that is tied into the RS25 via BlueTooth! During it's "off" hours it sits in a charging stand. It is crispy clear. It works flawlessly, love it! Simrad is really stepping up IMHO.

Additionally it's DSC button ties into the DSC system on the RS25, very cool.

I should test to see how far it will work from a dinghy, next test on the list.
 
#37 ·
The Garmin looks great. If I did not have a complete Simrad end to end solution I might go with the Garmin instead. Garmin, IMHO, is making the biggest move in the marine electronics industry. Also I see that the Garmin remote supports three different Garmin cabin based radios. Garmin seems to also be using BlueTooth, which I am a big fan of.
 
#38 ·
Be warned. A good friend of mine was sailing in the Swiftsure race this year and found himself in fog, with shipping and race boats all around, when suddenly his chartplotter, GPS and AIS all died at once. They were all integrated and when one went down it took them all with it.

Personally I prefer multiple stand alone units that do NOT talk to each other. If one dies, it's less likely to take the rest down with it. I am willing to forgo the slick features of integration in favor of redundancy. But then again, I'm probably an anachronism because I've never bought an apple product.....

MedSailor
 
#39 ·
Personally I prefer multiple stand alone units that do NOT talk to each other. If one dies, it's less likely to take the rest down with it. I am willing to forgo the slick features of integration in favor of redundancy-MedSailor
We have Raymarine radar, chartplotter, AIS and ST60 instruments. They are all networked and operate all under stand alone mode also if you wish to conserve power. Just because you network them doesnt prevent you from having them available in stand alone.

Its an advantage to be able to overlay the radar and AIS on the chartplotter in some situations or even have them in side by side orientation on the same screen.

Dave
 
#40 ·
I once saw a rig where a speaker and a mike used a bundled cable from a nav-station radio. You had to swing down to the station to change channels, but could otherwise monitor and comm from behind the wheel.

But a hand-held works just find for bridge tenders and harbor masters.
 
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