Electronics….. so many options

[Davidasailor26]

remotes is battery life. The B&G hand set has about an 8 hour life. We were often traveling longer than 8 hours with several overnight and multi-day passages, so we have 2 mics, one in use and the other charging.

We’ve replaced the battery in ours twice in 11 years as the old ones stopped holding a charge. Last time we were able to get a replacement with a few more mAH that still fits in the case. With that we routinely go for 9 hour day sails and still show more than half battery life at the end of the day. If you want to do overnights though you’d probably still need a backup handset.

 

[FastOlson]

We have had a Simrad VHF with the wireless remote for over a decade. It just works, as the saying goes.
I installed the "snap in" charging mount by our nav desk, and the handheld device is always ready to go outside for use. One caveat - applies to many many devices parked on the cupholder bracket in front of the wheel, is that if you are about to use/rely on your magnetic compass for information be Sure to remove the radio handset with its little speaker. But you knew that already.
We like the way it instantly communicate with our Lowrance Plotter/Radar with AIS (receive) info, as well.
Reliable tech, so far, at least.

 

[Tally Ho]

They don't operate when the mic on the radio is used, only with the remote mic, at least on the VH60.

I didn't mention earlier, a significant drawback to wireless remotes is battery life. The B&G hand set has about an 8 hour life. We were often traveling longer than 8 hours with several overnight and multi-day passages, so we have 2 mics, one in use and the other charging.

I mounted the charging cradle for my H50 remote mic in the cockpit and ran power to it….so when using it, it is close at hand AND it is being charged. I store it at the nav station when not in use and can charge it there with the USB port on the back (but I don’t usually need to do this if I am sailing often.

I suppose you could charge in the cockpit using the USB port, but I like having the radio in the cradle at the helm.



Greg

 

[capta]

If I had the money, I'd go with Furuno, all through. That's what most commercial fishing and workboats use. If you check out used radars, Furuno seems to be the longest lasting gear, finally getting replaced. I assume a complete suite of Furuno electronics would be at least a couple of grand more than Garmin.
I've no experience with the modern B&G gear (parent company; Navico), but their old stuff was excellent and market leaders.
I would not install anything by Raymarine, if you gave it to me, AND paid me to install it.

 

[Tally Ho]

.
I would not install anything by Raymarine, if you gave it to me, AND paid me to install it.

If any one calls and offers you a new suite of Ramarine stuff, please let me know! I will take it

Greg