Fixed vhf radio and antenna

[Will19984713]

Hi I am new to the forum so please let me know if I have posted in the wrong place.

I have a 5.5m humber assault. I want to get a fixed vhf radio and antenna for the A frame. I dont want to spend to much as I mainly use the rib in the river. Any suggestions for radio amd antenna. On that note I also want something to tell me speed and gps location. All suggestions welcome. I dont need anything too expensive as I am only in the river.

Thanks Will

[ShinyShoe]

So this thread will answer the antenna for you:

Radio antennae - Page 3 - RIBnet Forums

Radio gets slightly more complex. There is a recent thread here:

http://www.rib.net/forum/f37/which-f...-sh-59870.html

However you probably need to figure out what you want to do with the GPS before making a decision on the VHF. If you want a Long Lat then a VHF with an inbuilt GPS does the job. Standard Horizon do one. Not sure if it would list speed but worth a look.

But a Long Lat is not really helpful at 20kts on a Rib! If you mean you want a plot on a chart then do you want colour? and what river because you'd want to check the chart covers it...

If you aren't strictly navigating with it would u be better with a smartphone running navionics in a waterproof case. Which brings you back to the VHF having inbuilt GPS so that the DSC has a possition...

[Will19984713]

Thanks very much for the reply. I will have a think and way up what exactly I need.

Thanks Will

[Chris Caton]

if you're only navigating on a river and don't want lat & long, you could always go for a Garmin 276c chartplotter, that can be set up to give you OS co-ordinates so you can use a OS map if the river you're on isn't covered by any charts, worth a look

[Will19984713]

Hi thanks for that option. I have just had a look and the 276c looks bery good value for money. Do you know how much the marine charts are? I am in the east of the UK. Not sure if they are specific to different areas.
Thanks will

[Will19984713]

I have just looked further and i think i am retracting my value for money statement. If i am looking at the correct one they are around £400!!!

[Chris Caton]

they come up on eBay but do go for good money, not many chartplotters that will also do OS, other option is to go for a garmin handheld that will take garmins OS maps or charts, cheaper but smaller screens

[Will19984713]

Yeah, i dont really need the OS map capability. I may just settle for a colour fish finder. I know the river well but just like to know depth etc. Does anyone have any opinions on entry level fish finders?

[Daniel]

Hi will, I try not to flood the forum with trade sales but I think you should look at 2nd hand (assume DIY fit is up your street) if you want all this kit for less than £500+

Infact you could spend £500 on used kit from premium manufacturers like a garmin 450s and an icom 411 with an antenna would be that kind of money :-(. I have all those in stock (end of trade plug)

We could supply a kit of more budget / older but good used parts: DSC radio, antenna (probably new), fish finder and a GPS for more like £300. Old kit but perfectly serviceable.
(Opps end of 2nd trade plug)

Ping me a PM if you are interested.

[Will19984713]

Thanks to Dan. All sorted with vhf ans fish finder. Will post pictures when fitted.
Thanks Will