How many watts do you run your vhf on?

Thanks for the feedback guys. I was a bit worried when I bought them. With the low power but your comments built some confidence in me. On Friday my son took one on his bike about 3/4 of a mile down the road that was over a hill and over multiple houses and trees. Loud and clear on the low 1w setting. Then got out for a bit in the morn. My son and I each had a radio we never got much more than just out of site but they performed flawlessly. I should post a review they are water proof floating and cheap. Perfect for the fresh water guy on a budget or the guy who only hits the salt in numbers. Thanks again.

 There's several sites you can search to learn more about the Do's and  Don'ts of VHF.      Be aware that it is for marine use only.   And it is monitored closely.
   
   the Dos:
Whenever the radio is on, monitor Channel 16, unless you are communication on another channel;
Before transmitting, listen for 30 seconds to hear if the channel is in use;
At the beginning and end of your transmission, identify your vessel by its name of your radio call sign;
Use Channel 16 or 9 for calling and when contact is made, switch immediately to an unused working channel; (See box)
Set the radio to the low power setting whenever possible; you don;'t need the high power setting to talk to somone across your creek;
Speak slowly and clearly with the microphone about an inch from your mouth; there's no need to shout- it distorts your transmission;
Keep all communications as brief as possible;

The Don'ts:

Don't call the Coast Guard requesting a radio check;
Don't use the VHF radio for transmitting on land;
Don't monopolize any channel with long conversations or idle chatter;
Don't let children use the radio or think it's a toy. don't allow children to play on the boat with no adult present, even in th driveway;
Don't broadcast a Mayday unless there is immediate danger to life or property;
Don't broadcast profanities or insults. It is a criminal offense to transmit obscene, profane or indecent language or meanings;
Don't speak on channel 70; it's reserved for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) only;

Channels Available for Recreational Boats

Distress, Safety, Calling...................................16

Calling..........................................................................9

Recreational Use...........................68-69, 71-72, 78

Marine Operator...................................24-28, 84-87

Locks, Canals, Bridges, Pilots..........................13

Digital, Selective Calling (DSC)......................70

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