Marine Band Radio

  • toddberghoff
    Prior Lake
    Posts: 79
    April 30, 2003 at 5:31 pm #1232114

    I am thinking about wisening up (if that’s possible) and getting a MBR for my boat. Any suggestions on brands or features that I should make sure i have. Also, would i be maxing out my starter battery with all the rest of my electronics connected to it as well? Thanks for any help you can give.

    Todd

    derek_johnston
    On the water- Minnesota
    Posts: 5022
    April 30, 2003 at 6:36 pm #265538

    Hi Todd.. The most important feature in looking for a Marine Band is that it needs to be 100% Waterproof. Not weatherproof or weather resistant. There is a big difference. The Raytheon models are 100% waterproof and carry a full 3-year warranty. I use an older Hummingbird DC-50 that is no longer made but can be found on e-bay. It too is 100% waterproof and has one of the best scan features on the market. Parts and service are still available through Hummingbird. Also remember your radio is only as good as your antenna. A good fiberglass 6-8 foot 6DB antenna will get you out loud and clear over 8-10 miles when the radio is on 25watts. If you plan on using it 3miles or less, you can go with a 3-foot stainless steel model and use the radio on 1 watt. If your going to be using your radio on 25watts, I recommend mounting the antenna as far away from any GPS module you have and wiring it to its own battery.
    Also be sure to check to make sure your starting battery is a dual-purpose battery if you have accessories wired to it. Usually it will say DP in the model number. Starting batteries are not meant to be discharged and will shorten its life span.

    Good Luck

    jon_jordan
    St. Paul, Mn
    Posts: 10908
    April 30, 2003 at 6:48 pm #265542

    I’d go one step further and get a radio rated as “Submersable”. I’ll recommend two brands. ICOM and Standard Communications.

    I do not like the Ray’s….Went through 2 in one season. Junk in my opinion. Plus they claim to transmit 25 watts, but mine, new out of the box only put out 18 watts.

    Do not scpimp and buy a SMR or a Uniden. You will regret it the minute you pull it out of the box…take my word for it.

    Get an 8 foot antenna and solder EVERY connection! (Very important that the antenna connection is done correctly.)

    I have 2 Standard Communication “Horizon” models now available at Cabelas. I’m super happy with the features of the radio. Mine is exposed to the elements, never a hickup!

    Jon J.

    toddberghoff
    Prior Lake
    Posts: 79
    May 1, 2003 at 12:19 pm #265623

    Thanks for the info guys. The years of experience on this board are well worth the price of admission. Hope to see you on the water.

    bill_cadwell
    Rochester, Minnesota
    Posts: 12607
    May 1, 2003 at 11:35 pm #265715

    Hey Todd, Welcome back to the message board. Missed seeing you on here. Keep postin! Thanks, Bill

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.