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The Latest in VHF

from May 2023

from May 2023, page 38

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With the addition of NMEA 2000, AIS and GPS, VHF radios have come a long way.

VHF radios are considered necessary on any vessel to allow for safe communication while on the water. Available in both fixed-mount versions and handheld models, these radios are restricted to transmitting on an allowed range of frequencies at a power no higher than 25 watts for fixed-mounted radios and 6 watts for handheld models. The performance and range of these radios depend more on the quality and height of the antenna than on the radio itself. This is due to VHF frequencies traveling horizontally and essentially line of sight; where the top of the antenna can “see” is where the radio can broadcast to. As such, a fixed-mounted radio with an 8-foot antenna is going to have more range and power than a handheld VHF. While the technology behind the radio communication portion of them has not changed much in decades, where VHF radios have changed is in the features they contain. However, because they are devices broadcasting on public airwaves, they are subject to stringent regulation. Manufacturers must get FCC approval whenever they modify their models. This can take time and slow innovations hitting the market.

Nmea 2000

One such innovation is VHF radios having NMEA 2000 capability. Prior to this, most VHF radios could be connected to a chartplotter or GPS to gain position information via NMEA 0183, which required hardwiring the two units together. With NMEA 2000 connectivity, the radio can now share information with other devices aboard, such as chartplotters and MFDs, far more easily. Simply plugging into the NMEA network backbone, the VHF can take GPS position information from these other devices and transmit the vessel’s location when connected and in distress. They can also share other information, such as AIS data, and display that on the MFD.

Ais

Automatic Identification System (AIS) on a VHF radio is also a fairly new technology to VHFs that vastly improves basic VHF radio capabilities and adds another layer of safety. With AIS receiver capability, the VHF can display nearby vessels, identifying who they are and their direction of travel. This can be a very useful feature in busy waterways.

AIS is also able to identify specific vessels and enable direct radio contact to call out to that vessel. This information can be displayed on the VHF display screen or on a MFD if connected via NMEA 2000.

Gps

Many of these new VHF radios also have a built-in GPS. By doing so, they have independent Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capability and can send an automated distress signal with your GPS coordinates with the push of a button. Having a built-in GPS can give a handheld this possibility. What was once only achievable through a fixed-mounted VHF hardwired to an external GPS is now possible in a small handheld.

Another benefit of a built-in GPS in your VHF is a redundant GPS system should your primary means of navigation fail. Although a bit more cumbersome to operate than some chartplotters, a VHF GPS can save the day should you need a secondary means of navigation.

Other innovations

With today’s helms looking sleeker and less cluttered than ever, VHFs have followed suit. Many more VHFs now have rear microphone jacks allowing for the radio to be mounted in one location and the microphone in another. This way, microphones can be accessible but tucked away. For those who want to hide the VHF altogether and access features on their displays, black box VHF radios are now available. Hide the VHF module behind the helm or on a bulkhead and just have a microphone at the helm. Radios such as the Icom M510 can even allow for remote use via a smartphone through iOS and Android simply by adding a wireless module.

Of course, some VHFs still have built-in hailer functions, intercom capability and voice scrambling technology — all not new technology — to keep conversations private between vessels. These features are added to a bevy of others that make these VHF radios impressive in such a small package.

When looking for a VHF radio, decide what features are important to you and your type of boating. Fortunately, the list of features and the VHF radio capability is greater than ever, turning a basic VHF into capable and technologically advanced marine electronics that fit perfectly into a high-tech helm. ★

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 32'6"

Beam: 9'9"

Draft: 22"

Weight: 10,165 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 265 gals.

Water Capacity: 19 gals.

Max Power: 800 hp

MSRP (w/ 2 x Mercury 300XXL Verados): $294,393

SAILFISHBOATS.COM

DEALERS

Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales JBYS.COM

North Shore Marina

NORTHSHOREMARINA.COM

SkipperBud’s SKIPPERBUDS.COM

Sailfish 312 Center Console

Stability and safety.

Over the past two decades, boater focus groups, regardless of manufacturer, all had the words “stability and safety” listed in the top five must-haves for new models. Fuel efficiency, technology and flexibility were also high on the list. Sailfish checks all those boxes when it comes to its new 312 Center Console.

Sailfish has continued to advance and improve on its Variable Degree Stepped (VDS) hull design, now in its sixth generation. VDS is like having three hulls in one, starting with a steep 24-degree hull to open gnarly seas and cut through chop. The second surface at a slightly shallower 23-degree angle encourages air to flow under the hull, ensuring less friction and a higher rate of fuel economy. At rest, that third steeped surface is flatter still, ensuring stability while at anchor.

Couple the VDS hull with a 32-inch cockpit depth and passengers will feel safe and comfortable whether standing or sitting. With a 9-foot, 9-inch beam, the cockpit feels huge. A recessed fold-out 40-inch bench seat in the transom and a 34-inch bench neatly tucked into the starboard gunnel opens up the rear of the boat for side-to-side fishing action. When not fishing, this cockpit easily converts into an ideal entertainment platform with fold-out cockpit seating, a cockpit table and 17 cup holders. A step-down enclosed head in the console features an electric head, a large tinted forward window and amazing 6-foot-tall clearance.

The Sailfish 312 CC sports a large console and leaning posts built to accommodate up to two 12-inch monitors. The leaning post comes standard with a 32-gallon livewell, built-in tackle storage, a sink and ample drawer storage.

The bow area works great for fishing or entertaining. A raised deck platform doubles as bow seats when cushions are installed, and self-rising actuated bow backrests add to the comfort. Plus, a standard through-hull windlass makes anchoring a breeze. H

Scout 260 LXF

A major upgrade.

Scout is refreshing its model lineup, starting with the new 260 LXF. This 26-footer is a major upgrade to the 255 LXF, thanks in part to a standard Seakeeper Ride vessel attitude control system. Stability plus! If you are new to Seakeeper Ride, this is the newest version of a system that eliminates up to 70% of underway pitch and roll providing comfort for your passengers and control and confidence for the skipper.

In-floor fishboxes, six stainless steel flush-mount rod holders, under gunnel rod storage for two of your valuable rods, a raw water washdown and hardtop-mounted rocket launchers all combine to make a day of offshore fishing effortless.

Notable features on the 260 LXF include a side dive door, an extended walkable transom, a forward lounge seat and an integrated fiberglass hardtop. Aesthetically, the hardtop complements the sleek profile and offers protection from the elements.

At the helm, opt for multiple Garmin display screen upgrades, an autopilot system or power-assist hydraulic steering. Scouts are designed to accommodate single or dual engines up to 400 hp. This allows for Mercury or Yamaha Four Stroke outboards, each featuring a variety of new features aimed at easing maintenance while providing ultimate fuel efficiency.

Fuel capacity is 146 gallons, and a freshwater system is plumbed to include a step-inside console with a porcelain head.

Scout models are defined by their 100% hand-laid construction, superior fit and finish, best strength-to-weight ratio in its class, and completely finished bilge, lids, doors and hatches. Each hull is unique to the boat’s size and is engineered to deliver the best fuel-efficient ride. The 260 LXF is a little bit wider than most, at 8 feet 11 inches, translating into more cockpit space and a more stable fishing platform at rest. ★