Radio / Relationship Advice

ed_dash · 10 July 2010, 23:19

Hi,

Today whilst i was at work my other half went out on the rib with my parents for the day, its not a problem as the all are boaty people, my missus has PB2 and my dad is advance PB and i would rather the rib was used than collecting dust. But she somehow dropped my Icom M31 handheld over the side and lost it. I have a base unit in the rib aswell but its not the best, its a Cobra F75. She was quite upset and annoyed with herself and so ordered an Icom M33 before telling me she had lost the M31.

Now this is the question, do i get the M33 knowing that i should have a handheld as back up and especially as my cobra isnt the best, or do i ask her to send it back, and order a new base unit such as a SH 1500 or Icom M21 and do without a handheld. My dad does himself have a handheld i can borrow but he uses it himself at times.

Is it better to have dodgy base and have new handheld, or replace base unit with good new one and no handheld??

Thanks

Mollers · 10 July 2010, 23:25

Get a decent base set coupled to a good GRP aerial. It's very reassuring to have solid vhf reception.

ed_dash · 11 July 2010, 00:03

and suffer the consequences of sending the M33 back?

Thats what i was thinking but im not usually more than a few miles from land and a handheld generally does the job for that.

ed_dash · 11 July 2010, 00:36

further to the post, whats the best price people have seen for SH and icom DSC base units recently?

BogMonster · 11 July 2010, 02:20

I like having a HH clipped to my lifejacket just in case ... can't do that with a base set

willk · 11 July 2010, 10:16

Whatever you do regarding the radio, I'd suggest a "gift" purchase soon for the GF. 50-75% of the value will cover you.

You won't regret it if you do...

...and you will if you don't

lakelandterrier · 11 July 2010, 12:27

If you're generally inshore and have confidence in a handheld which you can clip to your LJ, and are used to that, I'd go for a replacement handheld, and live with the imperfect Cobra base set.

I think you'd miss the handheld if that's what you're used to.

Good handheld & mediocre base for inshore I'd say is preferrable to good base and no handheld.

'Tis but 1 opinion!

Simon B · 11 July 2010, 13:24

Tell her she's lovely and has galvanised you into replacing the old cobra with a more robust set, then use the HH as an on body back up. I've got my IcomV in a divers pouch on my lifejacket waist strap along with a HH GPS. For the cost versus implications good radios are no brainers.

stafs · 11 July 2010, 18:52

I would prefer to have my hand held on my person at all times attached to my lifejacket by a lanyard. As has been said inshore waters are fine and if you are going much further out I think I would be happier with a good hand held and a reliable base unit.