Getting connected for safety first

Icom M150

Dec 8, 2022

Icom M150

The December issue of Canadian Yachting once again featured the magazine’s Annual Marine Electronics Special compiled by Andy Adams. While the feature is packed with a wide variety of brilliant electronic gear, Andy also took time to laud the VHF, the one piece of equipment virtually all of us have onboard.

For obvious safety reasons, we need to start with the VHF radio because that’s the best way to connect to help in an emergency. There are many different VHF radios available as both fixed-mount to install at your helm and portable handsets as well. One of the portable VHF radios that we especially like is the Standard Horizon HX 890, a high-end, floating Class H DSC (digital selective calling) VHF/GPS that even has a scrambler system for secure communications on the water. This has switchable daytime / nighttime modes, waypoint and route navigation and a group monitor function using a DSC Group position call. Canadian Retail about $275.

Standard Horizon HX 890Standard Horizon HX 890

 

For those looking for a fixed mount VHF that has the latest tech but hits at a mid-range price, the Icom M510 has a space-saving design, and you can use the controls on the set or run it from your smart-phone using Wi-Fi. So, there is “connectivity” appearing again! Retail price in Canada approximately $750.

(If you don’t subscribe to CY magazine already, now might be a great time as a last minute holiday gift …. to yourself)

Related Articles

Bad Elf GPS for Lightning Connector

Bad Elf GPS for Lightning Connector

The Bad Elf GPS for Lightning™ Connector quickly acquires a satellite lock anywhere in the world – without cell tower assistance. No Internet connection or monthly subscription is required. The Bad Elf GPS for Lightning™ Connector (BE-GPS-1008) is an officially licensed by Apple plug-in dongle that instantly adds location support for iPhone 5, iPad Mini and iPod touch (5th generation).

Video Gallery

Pursuit S268 Sport CC

By Andy Adams

The Pursuit S 268 Sport centre console is a do-it-all kind of boat with a solid sense of style. Centre console designs have been developed for the southern blue water sport fishing enthusiasts (and this boat would raise fish with the best of them) but the Pursuit S 268 Sport centre console offers far more utility and enjoyment than just fishing.

Read More

Destinations

Bayfield Marine Turns 40 with Big April Events

(l to r) Holly, Adam, Pat, Ron, Shelley

Ron and Pat Reder started out in October 1984 across the road from where they are right now on the Bayfield River in Bayfield ON. The store front was about 10 x 20 and the rest of that side of the building was a stock room, wood finishing room, then behind that was more back stock and the lunchroom. Expanding every few years for the store front, then moving over to this new building five years ago, this year with Adam, Shelley, and Holly are carrying on the business.

Read More

Lifestyle