- Joined
- Feb 27, 2009
- Location
- Milan, NY 12571
Why is it that bass boats don't have VHF radios as standard equipment?
I have fished out of a few boats, and know many bass boat owners, of which not one has a VHF radio on board. (myself included)
Bass boats so much equipment on them, fish finders, gps, live wells, trolling motors. 3 to 6 batteries on board, we carry tools and spare parts,etc but, them if we cant fixe it we could be stranded somewhere only because we never minded with installing a VHF radio.
Let's say that while fishing a remote creek arm, we have a spun prop hub. We don't have the repair parts and it's getting late. WE could reach for the cell phone to call help, but sometimes coverage is just not there. without a back up plan, we could be there for a very long time until help arrives. We now have cell coverage in most lakes bordering metropolitan areas. However, relying on cell phone for emergencies is like relying solely on gps to avoid getting lost. An inteligent move is to carry a compass as back up, and the same goes for a cell phone. Let's not forget that cell phone and water don't mix. all it takes is a splash of water and that cell phone is useless. how many have you dropped over side of boat while netting a fish? get the picture?
VHF radios
coastal anglers have always know better, and never leave dock without one, even when taking cell phones along. VHF radio should be the first and only line of communication between other vessels and fixed stations on land. That still hold true today, even knowing that cell phones offer the added convenience of direct communication with shore.
VHF (very high frequency) marine channels are monitored by US coastal guard located on large inland lakes and major river systems. Also the US coast guard auxiliary conducts patrols on river system and monitor VHF frequencies. "The stereotype associates a marine radio as a bulky unit attached to an 8' antenna that gets in the way of making a cast" This radios can be used for communications with other boats, barge operators, and lock tenders, all of this conncted with boating safety. Another benefit is to the minute weather reports. There are portable marine radios that fit in the palm of your hand. This reliable units include charger and flexible antenna, they cost less than $100. There are certain rules one needs to follow, but every unit comes with procedures and how to use in their user manuals. For a little more you can get even more reliable backup distress communication from the Spot satellite personal tracker. SPOT works like a gps transmitter, pinpointing your exact location, and it keeps udtating it every five minutes. The way it works is it sends your personal information along with location to emergency responders located near you, this may include sheriff, police,game and fish warden,and otherrelevant emergency responders in your area. SOPT also comes technology allowing friends and family to track your location on google maps, using your account information and softwear loaded on a computer. Just keep in mind that the law requires you to have some safety equipment on board, comply with that, to avoid fines and if you don't have make it a priority to get a VHF radio or an hand held VHF radio.
Enjoy the boating season and, Be safe ou there!!
I have fished out of a few boats, and know many bass boat owners, of which not one has a VHF radio on board. (myself included)
Bass boats so much equipment on them, fish finders, gps, live wells, trolling motors. 3 to 6 batteries on board, we carry tools and spare parts,etc but, them if we cant fixe it we could be stranded somewhere only because we never minded with installing a VHF radio.
Let's say that while fishing a remote creek arm, we have a spun prop hub. We don't have the repair parts and it's getting late. WE could reach for the cell phone to call help, but sometimes coverage is just not there. without a back up plan, we could be there for a very long time until help arrives. We now have cell coverage in most lakes bordering metropolitan areas. However, relying on cell phone for emergencies is like relying solely on gps to avoid getting lost. An inteligent move is to carry a compass as back up, and the same goes for a cell phone. Let's not forget that cell phone and water don't mix. all it takes is a splash of water and that cell phone is useless. how many have you dropped over side of boat while netting a fish? get the picture?
VHF radios
coastal anglers have always know better, and never leave dock without one, even when taking cell phones along. VHF radio should be the first and only line of communication between other vessels and fixed stations on land. That still hold true today, even knowing that cell phones offer the added convenience of direct communication with shore.
VHF (very high frequency) marine channels are monitored by US coastal guard located on large inland lakes and major river systems. Also the US coast guard auxiliary conducts patrols on river system and monitor VHF frequencies. "The stereotype associates a marine radio as a bulky unit attached to an 8' antenna that gets in the way of making a cast" This radios can be used for communications with other boats, barge operators, and lock tenders, all of this conncted with boating safety. Another benefit is to the minute weather reports. There are portable marine radios that fit in the palm of your hand. This reliable units include charger and flexible antenna, they cost less than $100. There are certain rules one needs to follow, but every unit comes with procedures and how to use in their user manuals. For a little more you can get even more reliable backup distress communication from the Spot satellite personal tracker. SPOT works like a gps transmitter, pinpointing your exact location, and it keeps udtating it every five minutes. The way it works is it sends your personal information along with location to emergency responders located near you, this may include sheriff, police,game and fish warden,and otherrelevant emergency responders in your area. SOPT also comes technology allowing friends and family to track your location on google maps, using your account information and softwear loaded on a computer. Just keep in mind that the law requires you to have some safety equipment on board, comply with that, to avoid fines and if you don't have make it a priority to get a VHF radio or an hand held VHF radio.
Enjoy the boating season and, Be safe ou there!!