Marine Radios & Kayaking

I would like to hear what this experienced group has to say about Marine Radios.... an informal poll....
What do you use?
Where did you get it?
Who taught you how to use it with your kayak?
How do you rig it?

Note that I saw some good info on the other radio post but I am wishing for more data that would let me know how popular various suppliers or models are.  Other data is welcome also.  If you agree with someone please put your two cents in so I can see how much support there is.  thanks

Got mine in a parking lot... Used Work like walky talkies. Not short wave...

ICOM or Standard Horizon
Ask a fellew ncka member what channel they are on
Rigging?  Clip it to your pfd & turn on.
Find them on internet or locale marine store
More important than your fishing rod! 

Here's the order of purchase:
Pfd
Kayak
Paddle
Vhf

Buy a PFD WITH a pocket for a vhf.

Kokatat Bahia Tour.

Show up at a gathering, ask to check out what people have, buy the one you like.

One thing I'd recommend is make sure the battery life is good. You want a radio that lasts as long as you do.

As a retired radio tech, I can vouch for ICOM brand radios.  Get one that has the features you like and be sure to put a leash on that thing! 

Amazon is as good a place as any to shop.

Most NCKA events will have the group using channel 69 for hailing and other channels for more personal conversations.  That would be something worked out before hitting the water.  A scanning radio is nice so you can chat on one channel and still not miss any traffic on 69. 

Channel 16 is for emergency and the Coast Guard monitors that, so a radio that has a 'panic' button to switch immediately to 16 is a good thing.  Some also transmit the GPS co-ordinates to help in finding you if you do need immediate help. 

Sounds like a poll might work for what you're looking for.  Look for the "start a poll" button.

I use cheap Cobras, but I have 3 with me while offshore.  Redundancy in battery powered potential emergency gear is a good thing.

2 for $89 - Gander Mountain webpage.

Knew how to use it from growing up on my Dad's powerboats.  Learned how vital it is while salmon trolling in my kayak among the powerboats.  Things to consider for learning to use it:  right at launch people generally call out for a radio check on the designated channel for that port, get a response, and acknowledge it.  Just keep it on and you'll hear lots of talk between the fishermen on the designated channel for that area (68 at Shelter Cove).  There's an etiquette to follow, but it's like anything else - some are asses about it.  Generally, you need to not hog the public channel, but quick comments are the norm.  To speak with a friend you can always call them up and get on another channel.  Announcing fishing success or bird location...etc. generally goes over well off Eureka, but many ports are tight lipped or even combative to those who would get on the radio with more than just necessary banter about the swell height, wind, the drift, the bar...etc. 

I keep one in the left chest pocket of my PFD and the other two in my double drybag.
.
Good luck.   

Excellent responses... Duh I should have known about the "Poll" possibility.  Next time I will go that way however you folks are giving responses that are worth more than a poll could give...thanks

I prefer the Lowrance Link-2 radio.  It not only waterproof, floats and has GPS, it has the maritime mobile service identity (MMSI) feature.  After registration, this allows the user if requesting assistance on channel 16, provides the Coast Guard information on what to be looking for in a search.  Another advantage of the MMSI number, allows the ability to track the location of other Link-2 radios in the area.  Great for tracking commercial vessels so that I can stay out of their way.   

Standard Horizon or Icom brands.  Make sure to get a FLOATING Model.  I was fishing last weekend and accidentally dropped my ICOM M24.  It floated and I turned around and picked it up.

About floating radios; one reason they can float is that they cut down on the battery capacity to make things lighter.  Meaning; be sure you start each day with a fully charged battery or else it won't last.  Personally, if I was on the ocean, I'd rather have a radio that would last days, not hours, of battery time. 

I attached a leash to my radio, one that retracts like the type you see security guards or janitors use on key rings. 



Other items, like cameras, I use a float that would also work for a radio. 


Not as good as a leash to your vest, like I attach my radio, but then if I'm separated from my camera, it's not jeopardizing my life either.   I also use the float on my hog trough.  Why those are made of a plastic that sinks, I'll never know.  However, if more things were made of sinking plastic, maybe the ocean wouldn't have whole floating islands of the stuff! 

I added a Poll. So people can select which brand they use. And then maybe comment to indicate which model (too many models to list in a Poll).
I usually use a Uniden MHS75.

Cobra MR HH330 floating, great battery life. I've been out 12 hours and it dropped to 3 bars of battery out of 5. I don't talk a whole lot though, it might not last as long of you are the loquacious type.

iCOM M36  Floats, mounted to the left shoulder of my PFD  can't really say much about the battery life except that after having it on for 6-7 hours it was still showing 3 bars.  It's not small but neither am I so it works.