VHF Tips - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

GregAndrew · 09-04-2020, 02:00 PM

Increasing the squelch blocks weaker signals from being broadcast on your radio. Decreasing it will allow you to hear weaker signals to a point, and beyond that point you will have constant static.

I believe the channels recreational watercraft are supposed to stick to are 68 - 72 (but I am sure someone can correct me). That would be for both inshore and offshore.

16 is the emergency contact channel constantly monitored by Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol and others. Generally, if you are going to leave your VHF on, you are supposed to at least have it as one of your scan channels. Weather channel is 1.

You can use any channel (except 16) to radio check, but most harbors will monitor a specific channel for checks.

Our handheld radios get out very weak, but boat and land based models both send and receive stronger. You can hear them from 20+ miles away although they will not hear you from more than about 5.

The VHF signals are very linear too. If there are large obstruction between you and your target (including swells) you will have reduced range.

Tips:
Your cell phone has more range.
Don't say anything that you wouldn't post on BD (boats scan channels).
Wait for the channel to be clear before speaking.
Don't tie up a channel for more than a minute at a time.

TJones · 09-05-2020, 08:28 AM

Did you buy the radio new or used? When I have gotten real bored a read a few pages from my manual. I currently have 3 radios. A couple of Icom's and a Standard Horizon 870. Don't quote me on this but I believe there are certain channels that you are not supposed to use at all. I think they are designated as commercial.
As far setting squelch : adjust squelch till you here static or zero setting. Then bump it up slowly till you have no static. This will allow you the maximum range and weed out weaker / garbled transmissions. If you bought the radio used, go to manufacturer website and download the manual. I would highly recommend trying to learn your radio features.
Generally a hand held radio could be 3-6 watts max which could have a range of 3-6 miles over the water. The Coast Guard on the other hand may have a 25-30 watt radio with antenna placed in the optimal position. This could translate to 60 NM or more. In an emergency situation the user pretty much only needs to worry about transmitting. Emergency responders will receive you. Hope this answered some of your questions. Im going back to the other thread.

TJones · 09-05-2020, 08:35 AM

Useful info
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ProfessorLongArms · 09-15-2020, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

Increasing the squelch blocks weaker signals from being broadcast on your radio. Decreasing it will allow you to hear weaker signals to a point, and beyond that point you will have constant static.

I believe the channels recreational watercraft are supposed to stick to are 68 - 72 (but I am sure someone can correct me). That would be for both inshore and offshore.

16 is the emergency contact channel constantly monitored by Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol and others. Generally, if you are going to leave your VHF on, you are supposed to at least have it as one of your scan channels. Weather channel is 1.

You can use any channel (except 16) to radio check, but most harbors will monitor a specific channel for checks.

Our handheld radios get out very weak, but boat and land based models both send and receive stronger. You can hear them from 20+ miles away although they will not hear you from more than about 5.

The VHF signals are very linear too. If there are large obstruction between you and your target (including swells) you will have reduced range.

Tips:
Your cell phone has more range.
Don't say anything that you wouldn't post on BD (boats scan channels).
Wait for the channel to be clear before speaking.
Don't tie up a channel for more than a minute at a time.

Thanks Greg!!! This is a great summary and a confirmation of a few things I've been slowly learning over the years.

I actually bought a Standard horizon last year because my Uniden failed to consistently transmit with a buddy just a quarter mile away. Took me a while to realize that LOS, even in swell, can be a big deal.

Biggest QoL lesson I've learned with my Radio is to LOCK the damn settings once I'm on my comm channel for the day. Can't tell you how many times I've been trying to raise my buddy for half an hour only to realize I've smashed the buttons against something and changed the channel.

monstahfish · 09-17-2020, 06:44 AM

Here are the procedures for safety calls that everyone should know... https://www.boatus.org/marine-commun...20information.
Keep in mind to repeat you call signal 3 times, speak clearly and calmly, identify your vessel and location and situation. The other important thing for all of us with handhelds is to use relays. For example down at Makoville, if you're around the backside of the island, basecamp is unreachable and there's likely no Mexican Navy for 50 miles but if there's someone within range, you should be prepared to relay your situation through them to someone with a power boat who can get to you. Always study your charts so you know the waters you will be in as well and can communicate your location accurately.

09-05-2020, 08:28 AM	#2
TJones Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,526	VHF Did you buy the radio new or used? When I have gotten real bored a read a few pages from my manual. I currently have 3 radios. A couple of Icom's and a Standard Horizon 870. Don't quote me on this but I believe there are certain channels that you are not supposed to use at all. I think they are designated as commercial. As far setting squelch : adjust squelch till you here static or zero setting. Then bump it up slowly till you have no static. This will allow you the maximum range and weed out weaker / garbled transmissions. If you bought the radio used, go to manufacturer website and download the manual. I would highly recommend trying to learn your radio features. Generally a hand held radio could be 3-6 watts max which could have a range of 3-6 miles over the water. The Coast Guard on the other hand may have a 25-30 watt radio with antenna placed in the optimal position. This could translate to 60 NM or more. In an emergency situation the user pretty much only needs to worry about transmitting. Emergency responders will receive you. Hope this answered some of your questions. Im going back to the other thread.

09-04-2020, 02:00 PM	#1
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	Increasing the squelch blocks weaker signals from being broadcast on your radio. Decreasing it will allow you to hear weaker signals to a point, and beyond that point you will have constant static. I believe the channels recreational watercraft are supposed to stick to are 68 - 72 (but I am sure someone can correct me). That would be for both inshore and offshore. 16 is the emergency contact channel constantly monitored by Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol and others. Generally, if you are going to leave your VHF on, you are supposed to at least have it as one of your scan channels. Weather channel is 1. You can use any channel (except 16) to radio check, but most harbors will monitor a specific channel for checks. Our handheld radios get out very weak, but boat and land based models both send and receive stronger. You can hear them from 20+ miles away although they will not hear you from more than about 5. The VHF signals are very linear too. If there are large obstruction between you and your target (including swells) you will have reduced range. Tips: Your cell phone has more range. Don't say anything that you wouldn't post on BD (boats scan channels). Wait for the channel to be clear before speaking. Don't tie up a channel for more than a minute at a time.

09-17-2020, 06:44 AM	#5
monstahfish Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 423	Here are the procedures for safety calls that everyone should know... https://www.boatus.org/marine-commun...20information. Keep in mind to repeat you call signal 3 times, speak clearly and calmly, identify your vessel and location and situation. The other important thing for all of us with handhelds is to use relays. For example down at Makoville, if you're around the backside of the island, basecamp is unreachable and there's likely no Mexican Navy for 50 miles but if there's someone within range, you should be prepared to relay your situation through them to someone with a power boat who can get to you. Always study your charts so you know the waters you will be in as well and can communicate your location accurately.