VHF Radios - Which one is better?

**Joey805** · Jul-16-2004, 10:34 AM

I currently have a Icom M45 installed on the boat. There is some slight green corrosion on the heat sink fins and antenna plug on the back. It was like this when I bought the boat. The radio still seems to work fine. I also have a new Uniden Oceanus that I bought a while back. My question is, should I swap out these radios? Which one is going to perform better? Should i just clean up the older Icom and call it good?

Thanks for your help guys,

Joey

SpanishMack · Jul-16-2004, 10:51 AM

Yep,
I agree the 45 is a great radio. Unfortunately they were discontinued by Icom in order to put DSC on all their new radios. Thier replacement for the M45 is the M302. The M302 looks identical except it has DSC. But, I have had a few of the M302s come back so there may be some production issues on them as they are a new model this year. I like the M402 if you want a better VHF more suited for offshore use. The display is bigger it has a better reciever and a loud speaker. I have sold tons of them and have yet to get any back. Ask ChespeakeChuck, he started out with a 302 and had problems with it so he upgraded and he loves the 402. If you're looking for the best in VHF I think Icom has the market. But that's just my opinion...
Max

SpanishMack · Jul-16-2004, 10:53 AM

http://www.icomamerica.com/products/marine/m402/

**Joey805** · Jul-16-2004, 10:57 AM

Thanks for the great info max. What do you think about having two fix mounted VHF radios installed on a 26 foot boat? Is that a bit overkill?

SpanishMack · Jul-16-2004, 11:06 AM

Yep,
Having 2 radios is almost a must... Especially in a 26footer... A VHF is your most important piece of Marine Electronics. When it comes to safety you have to ask yourself if you were sinking fast how much would you pay then because it's too late. Personally I have an EPIRB on a 24 footer and have sold many of them to small skiff owners. I just bought a M602 which has a hailer and I have a standard intrepid also. I haven't installed the M602 yet but I'm working on it.
Max

**Joey805** · Jul-16-2004, 11:10 AM

Sounds good guys! Thank you for the quick responces as well. I will be installing the uniden radio as my backup. Now I just need to locate an antenna and mount.

SpanishMack · Jul-16-2004, 11:38 AM

What size antenna? I have plenty of Galaxy series stuff in stock and BDers get a discount.. The 5225XT is IMO the best model for Cali fishin.
www.boataholic.com
Take a gander... any antenna gets a $5-15 shipping surcharge.

**Joey805** · Jul-16-2004, 11:44 AM

Well I have an 8 foot shakepere fiberglass whip on the boat right now so I would probably want to match it.

**Joey805** · Jul-16-2004, 11:46 AM

I was going to head down to west marine today and pick up a stainless steel mount and a 8 foot fiberglass whip. Do you think you can beat them with shipping?

SpanishMack · Jul-16-2004, 12:26 PM

Not a problem... What city do you live?
Max

**Joey805** · Jul-16-2004, 12:34 PM

I live in Thousand Oaks, 91360 zip code. I will have to wait a bit due to lack of funds but I would be curious to see your price shipped to my door for a 5225 - xt antenna and a 4187 mount.

Thanks,
Joey