I need a GPS - Bimini in mind.

[Speedling]

I wonder about getting an inline filter of sorts for some of the devices we have going on anymore?

 

[swatski]

I can tell you that while sitting parked in my driveway the weather stations I can pick up are clear as a bell, but once I start the engine I get a tiny hint of static. Not totally unexpected, as the high voltage plugs are firing, current is now being generated and sent to batteries. My only issue so far is I have no clue if I can transmit or not yet. I’m easily 50 miles from commercial traffic anywhere, so far channels 16 and 9 have yielded nothing. I guess the only way would be either find another marine radio I can play with or get a handheld and start driving away with someone in my boat at home listening? See how far I can get and still hear it?

If you have a handheld backup, I would use that. It is illegal to use VHF on land, so I'm talking about a hypothetical scenario here.

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[Bajd98]

Can anyone with 25Watts VHF radio and E-series boat chime in on any radio interference issues, mostly when transmitting in high power (25W)?

I would strongly advice to thouroghly test radio equipment for potential interference before taking off to Bimini, or anywhere where the range of 25+ mile broadcast may be life saving.

In my 240 and 190 I have observed numerous issues with my electronics when blasting from VHF in 25W, so have learned to be using low power settings whenever practical, most of the time (1 or 5 Watts).

A 25W VHF radio can wreak havoc on all kinds of electronics (in transmission mode). If there is a radio playing, you definitely hear that strong hum that overwhelms any music playing. It can cause power supplies and other electronic equipment to go bezerk. Your cruise control (in E-boats) may go awry. This can be better or worse in closer proximity to a 25W antenna, or the VHF antenna cable close to the FM antenna cable or other wires.

Better test it before you set sail, don't want any surprises when you can no longer see dry land on the horizon, lol.

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This adds a whole new level of confusion as I’m starting to look at for an permanent VHF in addition to my handheld ugh ? When you say systems can go awry ... do you mean just momentarily or long term??

 

[swatski]

This adds a whole new level of confusion as I’m starting to look at for an permanent VHF in addition to my handheld ugh ? When you say systems can go awry ... do you mean just momentarily or long term??

Momentarily, during transmission only.
That said, if for example you are using cruise control, a momentary disruption can cause the cruise control to disengage causing sudden speed change etc.

I think anyone venturing into the ocean should consider installing a stationary high power VHF radio.

But I would use it at low power settings whenever practical and also want to test it for potential interference so there are no surprises (once sailing on the ocean).

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[swatski]

This adds a whole new level of confusion as I’m starting to look at for an permanent VHF in addition to my handheld ugh ? When you say systems can go awry ... do you mean just momentarily or long term??

The two major advantages of a stationary VHF (in addition to high power/range) are:
1. It is difficult to misplace it!
2. No worries about charging.

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[Brent Markham]

Redundancy redundancy redundancy. Here in Fort Myers, Florida, just a few weeks ago, it took the coast guard almost two days to find a boat that ran out of gas close to shore and drifted out to the gulf. Do not rely on just one piece of technology if you are not on a lake. Btw ....if you use a phone or tablet, a suggestion I have is to buy something like a Bad Elf GPS and link it to your devices. It is more accurate which is handy for me here in shallow waters off Sanibel. I can see my dot move room to room in my house....accurate to ten feet.

Do you not use your boat GPS it came with? I see you have a 242x

 

[John McLaughlin]

I have the Simrad GO 7 on my boat. Yes I know my cell will do the trick however when it comes to safety of my family and my passengers I would much rather have overkill then not wonder if my phone will run down or lose wifi.
This also reminds me of friend of mine who bought a very expensive boat then skimmed on the bumpers. I guess what I am saying is "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

 

[Bajd98]

Do you not use your boat GPS it came with? I see you have a 242x

It is not as accurate as I need it to be with the waters we have here. Rarely use the map screen bc navionics on an iPad paired with the bad elf gps is like night and day as far as accuracy. I know I am right where it says I am, which gives me confidence cutting through some tight spots with shallows on either side.

 

[Brent Markham]

That is interesting, across the alley mine saved me in stiltsville and elliot key a few times. Thanks for the feedback though, for if I over there.

 

[Julian]

The two major advantages of a stationary VHF (in addition to high power/range) are:
1. It is difficult to misplace it!
2. No worries about charging.

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3. Much better range if you mount your antenna to the top of the tower (and make it an 8' one).
4. Can install an external speaker...so you can HEAR others while driving (others in the boat can hear too)

 

[Julian]

OK...back to the GPS topic....I've narrowed my hunt down to an expensive one:

Garmin Echomap Plus 94SV.(with GT51 transducer)

I've chosen this one (with the GT51 transducer) so we can do some deep sea fishing and go DEEP (like 1000 feet).

The 74SV or even CV would be fine for those not wanting to go deep on the sounder. You want the PLUS, as it designates that it is touch screen, and you want at least the 7x series as the 6x-none are touch screen.

 

[AJack]

I believe the "Plus" refers to the built-in wifi cability to update the unit; the touchscreen spec is size specific, which starts at the 7" size and larger. I have the Echomap Plus 64CV, not touchscreen, but can be updated via wifi.

OK...back to the GPS topic....I've narrowed my hunt down to an expensive one:

Garmin Echomap Plus 94SV.(with GT51 transducer)

I've chosen this one (with the GT51 transducer) so we can do some deep sea fishing and go DEEP (like 1000 feet).

The 74SV or even CV would be fine for those not wanting to go deep on the sounder. You want the PLUS, as it designates that it is touch screen, and you want at least the 7x series as the 6x-none are touch screen.

 

[Dean P]

OK...back to the GPS topic....I've narrowed my hunt down to an expensive one:

Garmin Echomap Plus 94SV.(with GT51 transducer)

I've chosen this one (with the GT51 transducer) so we can do some deep sea fishing and go DEEP (like 1000 feet).

The 74SV or even CV would be fine for those not wanting to go deep on the sounder. You want the PLUS, as it designates that it is touch screen, and you want at least the 7x series as the 6x-none are touch screen.

If you can get a touch screen you'll love it. So much easier and faster. I returned the 6" and got the 7" with touch screen. So glad I did. If placement is a concern, look into the Ram Mounts. Unlimited possibilities.

 

[Julian]

@Dean P Yup...RAM mounts are wonderful!

https://jetboaters.net/threads/chart-plotter-placement-on-newer-boats-with-connext-simrad-go7-installed.12273/post-225140

Here is my current setup: