VHF radio or not?

As a new kayaker, trying to decide if I need to invest in a VHF radio in case of an emergency or for communication while out on the water.

Curious on your thoughts on it, and any recommendations as to which features are important;  battery life, # of watts, GPS etc...

Thanks for your time.

B

100%

If cost is an issue get the cheapo cobra model before investing in a more expensive one.

There are a bunch of threads on safety gear, I’d say immersion gear is first , second life jacket, third radio IMO .

Be safe out there,

Aloha,

Isao

100%

If cost is an issue get the cheapo cobra model before investing in a more expensive one.

There are a bunch of threads on safety gear, I’d say immersion gear is first , second life jacket, third radio IMO .

Be safe out there,

Aloha,

Isao

Life jacket is first. You can kayak where you don’t need immersion gear and nobody will hear you on the radio but you always need your pfd.

100%

If cost is an issue get the cheapo cobra model before investing in a more expensive one.

There are a bunch of threads on safety gear, I’d say immersion gear is first , second life jacket, third radio IMO .

Be safe out there,

Aloha,

Isao

Life jacket is first. You can kayak where you don’t need immersion gear and nobody will hear you on the radio but you always need your pfd.

I hear that, unless your immersion gear is a wetsuit that gives you enough buoyancy to float you.

The ABC's of Kayak Fishing -

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=61080.msg685573#msg685573

You dont need a radio ... until you do. For that reason, I generally have mine on me unless I'm fishing very tame waters. Ocean and bay though, it's a must have item.

Here's a Uniden one for $50 to use until you some more experience with the models you want. Mention NCKA discount to him and he may bc he's a member

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/spo/d/elk-grove-fishing-kayak-accessories/7054938865.html

Good luck and be safe!

Without a doubt, get one.  Its a lousy $$ for a chance of being rescued and saved.  The main purpose of going out is to be back safe so you can do it again.  Nothing else matter, including record breaking fish.

Here’s a brand new one for $50 in Sf if you travel around there often.


ICOM IC-M25 Marine VHF Radio

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/for/d/san-francisco-icom-ic-m25-marine-vhf/7065005638.html

I'm looking for a new marine band VHF radio as well. Also wondering if many of the bells and whistles are actually used by kayakers

My experience with amateur radio handhelds is that the companies that make them are trying to produce them as cheap as possible yet pack in the features. They put cheap antennas on them largely due to the fact most people will change out the antenna for a 'good' aftermarket one that meets the individual need.

    Since these manufacturers are the same in both markets, it seems like the antennas that come with these will produce the same undesirable results. Has anyone noticed this to be true for marine band radios?
I'd take a better antenna over 1 or 2 watts any day.
 
     I am also wondering if anyone is using an external antenna mounted on the light pole or other mount on the kayak.

Yes, you absolutely need a VHF. As for “features”, first and foremost, I’d get one that floats.

BsHawk - Gotta have a radio.  It's about way more than calling for help if needed.  You want to be hearing the local radio talk - they could be talking about you or even to you!  There's safety info as well as fishing info to hear on the radio, and it's the best way to keep in touch with your nearby friends on the water.  There are plenty of affordable handheld VHF's that also float.  You can score a two-pack of the cheap Cobras for under $100 at times.  Redundancy is a really good idea.

I'm looking for a new marine band VHF radio as well. Also wondering if many of the bells and whistles are actually used by kayakers

My experience with amateur radio handhelds is that the companies that make them are trying to produce them as cheap as possible yet pack in the features. They put cheap antennas on them largely due to the fact most people will change out the antenna for a 'good' aftermarket one that meets the individual need.

    Since these manufacturers are the same in both markets, it seems like the antennas that come with these will produce the same undesirable results. Has anyone noticed this to be true for marine band radios?
I'd take a better antenna over 1 or 2 watts any day.
 
     I am also wondering if anyone is using an external antenna mounted on the light pole or other mount on the kayak.

Kayak NCO - You'll probably get a lot better response by putting up a separate thread about this with a clear title about your topic.  I don't know anyone who runs a separate antenna - we're using handheld radios.

     I am also wondering if anyone is using an external antenna mounted on the light pole or other mount on the kayak.

That's an interesting idea. Like Eric says, post it in another thread...

VHF Radio is a must,
I don't get into the water without it.
I prefer Standard Horizon for reliability.

Thanks for all the great advice.  I picked up a Standard Horizon HX870.  It has all the features suggested plus a few more.