Is it worth having a VHF radio in Northern Saskatchewan ?

[Tony E]

Hello. I am just setting up my MacGregor 26X and trying to figure out if I should put a VHF radio into mine or not. I am in Saskatchewan Canada and am planning on taking my boat up in the Northern parts to do some camping/fishing. My question is, Would anyone be able to hear me if I got on my VHF radio? What exactly do you use one for? Do you guys use them alot? If I do get one you hear about people putting the antenna on top of the main mast. Does that help alot? Thanx for your help

 

[justsomeguy]

Well, the higher the antenna, the better the range. But if there's no one around to hear you, have you made a sound?

 

[Stu Jackson]

Re: Is it worth having a VHF radio in Northern Saskatchewan

If a tree falls in the forest...

C'mon, have you tried to find out what works where you're planning to go? Other than asking here? I doubt if there are many respondents here who sail where you're planning to go, so you may want to find out if there're any clubs (not "yacht" clubs) even on the internet tubie thing.

A lot also depends on the immediacy of what you need or want your communications to be. If you're going to be out of VHF range, regardless of how high your antenna is going to be, then from a simply safety POV, you'll need something completely different than VHF.

When you find out what that is, please let us know, and

Fair winds, Good luck.

 

[finding41]

Re: Is it worth having a VHF radio in Northern Saskatchewan

If you are concerned about contacting someone in the event of an emergency you may want a Sat Phone.
But If there are any commercial users like outfitting camps, fishers, etc. you may be OK. Check the web for the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron in your area. They will know whats best in your area.
The VHF radio works on a line of sight principal. So if you can't see ware you want to call... Ie; If there is a hill between you and the marina... It may not work.
(Sask- Hill. lol)
I just got my license (restricted operators certificate) last Tuesday. It cost me $90 for a 3 day course and test. It's good for life.

 

[Benny17441]

Re: Is it worth having a VHF radio in Northern Saskatchewan

I know the US Coast Guard aircrafts monitor the VHF frequency, in the case that you may have been reported overdue and a search is underway you may be able to communicate with the aircraft rather than them having to spot you visually. Would suspect that Canadian CG would also monitor it. The radio by itself provides little safety but in conjunction with the filing of float plans and informing friends of your intended schedule it can be a life saver. They are not very expensive so I would recommend you get one. There are also some satellite communicators that track your position like "SPOT" and you may also be able to send a distress text message. Last you can probably rent a SAT phone for just the duration of your trip. The expense might be worth it it is only for a couple of months. A life raft rental or survival suit might not be a bad idea either. Lots of options but I would not go to far on a water ballast boat.

 

[kenn]

Re: Is it worth having a VHF radio in Northern Saskatchewan

If you want to guarantee you always have someone to communicate with, buy TWO VHF radios.

Seriously, an inexpensive VHF radio would be a good addition. The VHF radio will also receive weather (WX), and you may want to trailer south at some point

 

[AnchorDragger]

Re: Is it worth having a VHF radio in Northern Saskatchewan

SPOT or a similar satellite transmitter would be my preference in an emergency where VHF contact is iffy. If you get a 25 watt VHF pay attention to the dB rating of the antenna you put on top of the mast. (Range will be much better with a mast top antenna location.) The higher the dB rating the more the radiated signal will be narrowed toward the plane perpendicular to the antenna. Higher dB means more signal strength but at the expense of it being more directional. Sailboats favor 3 dB antennas so that the signal is still strong in all horizontal directions even when the boat is heeled over about 20 degrees. With higher than 3 dB heeling may cause lost contact in directions the antenna is leaning toward or away from. The Shakespeare 5215-C-X antenna is a popular choice.

 

[Tony E]

Re: Is it worth having a VHF radio in Northern Saskatchewan

Thanx for the information guys. As always you are a wealth of information. I do have and use a "SPOT" device for when I go up North already. It allows me to send a pre written email message to different emails or phones thats let them know that I am okay, or need help or its a life and death emergency. I bought it so I could occassionally let my wife know back in the city that me and the boys are safe and sound by pressing the OK button. It also allows her to click on the link and see exactly where we are on google maps at the time when we pushed the button. It is a great device. I was just wondering if I do get a VHF radio how many people actually use it to talk to others or is it simply just for emergencies and if so would it work. Up North where I go it might as well be an old 40 channel CB radio because at least then I would get skip from the USA and here someone talking. Thanx again guys

 

[tkanzler]

Re: Is it worth having a VHF radio in Northern Saskatchewan

Well, FWIW, I would not go without a VHF, preferably with the antenna at the mast top, and with DSC. You may not be able to reach anyone if you're in a really remote area, but if search and rescue has to go looking for you, they'll be listening, and then you'll be glad you have it. Since you have SPOT already, it sounds like a VHF would compliment it nicely.

I use a VHF with mast top antenna, and I also have a waterproof hand-held (5W maybe?), but I'm in an area where there are a lot of boats. the hand-held is what I use almost exclusively, as I'm close to everything and don't need high power or antenna for 'normal' stuff. I also pass right by the USCG and Sheriff's marine station in the river on my way out, so there's no problem reaching help in my regular sailing areas. Marine weather reports and forecasting is also nice to have, but in your case, I have no idea if you can receive it.

Some folks carry on regular conversations over VHF (on channels assigned for such use, like 68, 69, 71, and 72), but I just monitor 16 unless I hear something interesting going on and switch to that working channel to eavesdrop. Erie Canal lock and bridge operators are also contacted via VHF channel 13, but again, that doesn't apply to you.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Re: Is it worth having a VHF radio in Northern Saskatchewan

One should always monitor 16 and then any other channels of your choice.

 

[Bob J.]

I would not forego a VHF but you may also want to consider a CB radio.
There's a decent chance that up in Gods country land based folks may monitor CB.

 

[windward54]

Re: Is it worth having a VHF radio in Northern Saskatchewan

Take a look to see of there are any local ham repeaters and get a ham license if there are. With a small, 5 watt handheld radio, you get great coverage and there usually someone listening.

 

[Douglast]

Re: Is it worth having a VHF radio in Northern Saskatchewan

what is that phone that the guy uses in the tv ad where he is walking all over the place saying "can you still hear me "

you need that phone....hahaha