VHF Radios - only for ocean kayaking?

I'm trying to figure out if a VHF really has a purpose on other bodies of water besides the ocean....I know they give the weather alerts, but when you are on a lake, aren't they just a more expensive version of a walkie talkie?

I suppose what I'm asking is, is there any reason to have one if you aren't out on the ocean on a regular basis?

-Cherie

I would hate to not have one if shit went down out here on the delta.

+1 for the delta - SUPER important.

They're good anywhere if you want to talk to other yakkers and/or fisherpersons.

yeah coastguard is on most large bodies of water....they are good everywhere not only to be help but also to help others

I use mine pretty regularly on lakes where there are paid guides.  I'll hail them on 69 and report when I catch fish; where, what and how.  They reciprocate with their own fishing reports once they get to know me, and have rewarded my information with a beer now and then too. 

Once I was in the parking lot at a boat launch where someone left their lights on.  I called out on 69 and the guy had his radio on.  He told me where his hidden key was and I turned them off for him. 

So, I think a radio is pretty useful and I keep mine on my vest all the time. 

You're just doing it for the beer Jerry . Will be joining you in retirement soon but in a different state. Going to Texas in a few weeks

Yes you  can buy an inexpensive FRS (Family Radio Service) or GMRS radio at Fry's. They probably won't be water resistant unless you pay more, and then you are back in the VHF price range.  The important thing is what are others using. The water temperature in my local lake was in the mid 50's last weekend. Same temp as the Ocean. If you flip do you want to be heard by a PB'er who can get there fast or rely on  whomever has your other FRS?  FRS radios have channels and PL (privacy codes) giving you more options to talk privately. At some places like ski resorts they monitor channel 9 , PL code 11 (911). However in most cases it will be just you and and one other radio on a PL'ed  channel. This could be a problem if you need help

Definitely worth the investment on inland waterways, too. Frankly, I can't believe how many small boaters don't have one.

Frankly, I can't believe how many small boaters don't have one.

+1

VHF marine radios have more power and range typically.

Thanks guys! I appreciate all the feed back, especially about the intel on fish & beers, haha.

So it sounds like all the fishermen and kayakers are on channel 69 and use VHF radios.....so it makes sense that you want to have the type of radio everyone else has when out on the water. We do have a set of walkie-talkies, but I doubt I could find another listener quickly if something happened and I needed help.

-Cherie

(2) Uniden VHF Waterproof High Frequency Radios Never Used - $100 (sunset / parkside)

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/ele/3626326126.html 

GOOD LUCK

I just got my kayak and I do want a VHF even though i just got a new GMRS radio last month. On a side note, I just learned that the "privacy codes" on FRS/GMRS radios do not give you private conversations. All they do is prevent you from hearing other radios not set to the same code. If you transmit on channel 7 for example, no matter which privacy code you select, anyone tuned to 7 with no code set can hear you. The privacy codes are good if you want to avoid listening to others in the area, but offer no privacy at all.