The VHF radio is the one thing I tend to upgrade frequently. I think I'm on my 3rd or 4th fixed VHF since 1999. In my opinion, it's the single most important piece of safety equipment on the boat.
I upgraded when Standard Horizon came out with RAM's. I upgraded when they added AIS. I didn't mind re-running the RAM cable for each upgrade. Like others, I like a RAM with the capability of shooting 25 watts into the sky. I also have a Standard Horizon HX870 handheld. I think Touche' has a Standard Horizon Matrix GX2000 right now. So far I've resisted the urge to upgrade to the GX2400 because Touche' is still a NMEA 0183 boat. I do see an advantage to a VHF that has GPS built in. If your primary GPS dies, you can still send a DSC distress call with location. Used VHF's sell readily on eBay. I've sold several. Years ago, one of my clients wanted to upgrade to a VHF with a RAM. I did so, giving him a credit for his old VHF. I sold the old, still very nice, VHF to another client, got paid for the install. I sold the VHF from the second client on eBay. I made money 3 times and each client got upgraded. Win, win, win, win! As for brand preference, I tend to favor Standard Horizon but really don't have any significant reason for that. I think ICOM is also a very reliable brand. I had an ICOM handheld for years and it worked fine. It, too, got sold on eBay. -- Dennis C. Touche' 35-1 #83 Mandeville, LA
_______________________________________________ Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each and every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
