Whats your VHF?

[PUMP 'HER']

Got started on this in another thread so thought I would move it to its own thread. Just wondering what brand/model of VHF radio everybody is using. I bought these frs type radios (auctualy called gmrs) a few months ago but I cant find the book on them right now so I am not sure what frequency they transmit on but the are using 5 watts per channel, like many of the vhf radios I was just looking at. They claim "up to 5 miles range". What sort of range are you seeing on a vhf? I know its all reletive to terrain but on an average. Also any thoughts on if I might receive vhf signals with these radios? I have heard what sounds like ham radio operators a few times, and you are supposed to accuire a fcc license to use them. Any thoughts?

[Essex502]

Bought a Raytheon VHF but since I'm at the office I can't look up the specific model. Actually, I've never had to use it! Turned it on every now and then to check the battery charge. It is rechargeable AND has standard battery pack for backup.

[PUMP 'HER']

Never having to use it would be a good thing.

[kc0000]

electronics:

Its all about watts and antena...... don't want no stinking antena on my boat!

I have two ICOM M1A handhelds, 5 watts VHF. Waterproof and mil-spec quality. They claim a five to seven mile range with no obstructions. I bought them because I wanted the VHF incase I go into the deep end of the pool, and there is not traffic on the channels at places like Havasu. When we are launching the boat we have one in the boat and one in the truck, way easier than yelling over the sound of the engines. The batteries a lithium-ion so the radios are always good to go. If someone goes for a hike then they take a radio and a bottle of water with them.

I also have a Motorola 6900 FRS so that we can talk to others from the club, we have two inexpensive ones for the kids. They suck down the AAs pretty fast.

The FRS are great for hiking, give then to the kids and they will talk to each other for hours over the radios, even when only ten feet from each other - great entertainment. If they drop one its no big deal.

Garmen E-Trex Legend
This little guy has helped me out more than I want to admit. On full moon weekends we like to lay down a track during the daytime and then follow it at night. Nice thing is that it always keeps me in the deepest parts of the lake and away from shore, important when you are bombing down the lake at 50mph when it is totally dark outside. Great odometer and a way better speedometer.

Home Depot - LED Flashers
I have a few of these three dollar items, connect to the front of the boat at night while anchored in a cove. Makes a huge difference for those idiots like me who drive around at night by brail, bumbing into things until they find their way home. In total darkness a white boat is still dark, unless it has a light on. Hanging one on the back end of the trailer is a good idea also.

Next up
One of those 2-billion candle power hand held spot lights from wal-mart. Saw o couple on the lake this weekend and they can light up the hillside or the lake very well.

We keep a gross of AAs on the boat, next to the first aide kit.

KC & Karen

[Red Horse]

I bought the new 7 mile range GMRS radios. They transmit 3 watts and I have had pretty good luck with them. On land I was 3 miles from the house at Home Depot and was talking to the wife. 50 bucks for the pair.

[PUMP 'HER']

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kc0000 @ June 26 2003, 08:26 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Next up
One of those 2-billion candle power hand held spot lights from wal-mart. Â*Saw o couple on the lake this weekend and they can light up the hillside or the lake very well.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Got mine at Target. Â*3 Million candle power. Twin bulbs, and an area light. Even has a 12 volt outlet so you can run stuff off of it if need be. Think it was around $40.

[Essex502]

As KC apply put it - you can't have enough gear!

Raytheon VHF
Motorola FRS - one in boat and one in truck
Garmin GPS III Plus (for all the reasons already listed EXCEPT night boating scares the sh$t out of me.)
Cell Phone just in case it may work!
Lots of AA batteries (Costco in bulk)
Nikon digital camera for all the reasons we need to take pictures of our rides and friends.
"Jump N' Carry" in case of battery failure - been there done that.
12V air compressor for trailer tires and inflatable toys (not that kind you perverts!http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

So far needed all of the above except the VHF but good for insurance I guess!

[MOWtown]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Essex502 @ June 30 2003, 07:53 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">12V air compressor for inflatable toys (not that kind you perverts!http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Baaaaahaaaaahaaaaahaaaaaa http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[kc0000]

After our last trip to Havasu we are adding a few items:
- 100' anchor line, 80' stern line
- 2 45' tow lines rated at 4000lbs
- second anchor now lives on the boat
- total of six fenders for all those people who use inflated wonder bread bags as fenders
- rock climbing nuts to hook into rocks as anchor point

One of my best pieces of gear.... carbiners from REI, get the anodized ones - I'm not a knot tier, so much easier to just clip it!

[MOWtown]

Are you serious about the rock anchors? Do you bring a cordless rotohammer?

Why the second anchor...to anchor bow and transom in middle of lake?

[kc0000]

Lost an anchor one day to a cheap rope... we stay at Black Meadow Landing, so the big anchor stays in the cove and the small one goes with us on the lake, sand spike for the stern.

Kevin showed us a great cove were the kids can play all day on a small beach or jumping off of the rocks, just need a good way to run a line across the cove and tie the boat in the middle. A few climbing nuts might be the ticket, they weight nothing and can be picked up for about $6 each, not worried if I have to leave one behind. The climbing nuts should be way easier to swim as compared to swimming with an anchor.... high tech solution to simple problem = overkill, just the way I like it! http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[MOWtown]

I understand, I'm always trying to "improve" the next trip (with mixed results http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif ). I got sick of going camping and always forgetting one or two different things each time so I made a check list that I pull out everytime I go...and I always add a few things to it for the next trip (wife thinks I'm neurotic, I call it being male http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif ).

[kc0000]

I have simple logic, if it needs to be on the boat then it STAYS on the boat.... The only thing that goes on and off the boat are the electonics that need recharging and the CDs.

The kids are just getting used to leaving their life jackets, sun glasses and water shoes on the boat. Bought simple plastic tubes at Home Depot for the sun glasses so they don't get squished, I'm finding that if the kids have place for their things then they use it.

Boat consumes a steady diet of towells, hats and t-shirts.

We are working to get Leo and Tracy super sized to a Nordic 25 Rage with colors that match our boat - that way it will be easier as the kids transfer accessories between the boats!!
http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif