I have both on my boat. If I am communicating with a harbor master on approach or talking to another passing vessel. I use the handheld. I can stay on the helm and see what is going on.
My VHF is mounted right near the companionway - so it is possible to use from the cockpit. I picked up my Icom MC-5 for $20 on ebay, spend an hour rebuilding two battery packs and it works like a gem. Derek.- ________________________________ From: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Fri, March 26, 2010 2:45:21 PM Subject: Re: [IC27A] 2 way radio Handheld radios, and regular VHF radios with the antenna mounted on the safety rail don't transmitt nearly as far as with the antenna mounted on top of the mast. So, one needs to evaluate the need for distance transmission vs. ease of use, cost, etc. Too, handhelds are lower power. The ice is out of Sandusky Bay in northern Ohio. Launch time is about a month away. Tally ho, Bob
