I'll be sailing on the Hudson River, maybe someday in a bay, harbor, or sound. I'm currently rewiring. Should I take the time to get this Apelco VHF 5200 wired up or in 2026 should I have a different radio?
Should I keep this Apelco VHF 5200 radio on my C22 now that I have to rewire power?
- Thread starter hudson_rogue
- Start date
Current VHF radios have DSC and many have GPS included. The big advantage to these radios is the "Panic Button." In an emergency, one press of the button sends out an emergency broadcast that all DSC enabled VHF radios will receive and more importantly, the USCG will receive it. If GPS enabled, the broadcast will include the Boat's name and position, allowing for a faster response by the CG and any other boat nearby. Likewise, it enables you to hear and respond to someone else's call for help. This feature alone makes a new VHF worth its price.
The emergency broadcast is sent as a data packet, not an analog voice message. Data transmissions are less subject to interference and can have a greater range than an analog or voice transmission.
The emergency broadcast is sent as a data packet, not an analog voice message. Data transmissions are less subject to interference and can have a greater range than an analog or voice transmission.
Is that something reasonably for me to have on a Catalina 22? Could I use a handheld model or do I really need the mast antenna (I think already installed but I don't know the status of it).
Given traffic where you are planning to sail, I'd recommend having a VHF radio. The mast antenna will significantly extend the radio's range. And as Dave pointed out, having a modern radio that can display AIS information is great!
Handheld radios are limited in range because of their low power (5w) and being close to the water. VHF radios are line of sight, the higher the antenna the greater the range. Depending on where on the Hudson you are located, a hand held might have sufficient range and power, however the closer you are to NYC the more boat traffic and radio traffic there will interfere with the radio's signal.
Unless it is heavily corroded the antenna is probably OK. The cable may be suspect. Coax cable has a limited lifetime when exposed to weather. Moisture can enter and cause corrosion and can degrade the insulation in the cable.
Thank you - I will test the antenna continuity. Any thoughts on that exact radio? Should I spring for DSC/GPS? Now that my wallet is open the money just keeps falling out!
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,663
Regarding the radio, it is capable, simple, and rugged mid-1990s fixed VHF that if functioning can still work for basic communications and weather monitoring if it is in good condition.
Your boat is new to you. You will be discovering a million different things about the boat. If the radio powers up, “with the antenna connected” (required before you try to key the mike and call someone- if not connected you can burn up the internal parts), and can make/receive calls it will be a good piece of gear to have during this time of discovery. It is proper seamanship to be able to call for help if something goes wrong while you’re on the water.
Your plan to rewire the boat should include a connection for a radio. This one can work till you get that Christmas bonus. There will be plenty of opportunities to empty your wallet on fancy stuff.
Your boat is new to you. You will be discovering a million different things about the boat. If the radio powers up, “with the antenna connected” (required before you try to key the mike and call someone- if not connected you can burn up the internal parts), and can make/receive calls it will be a good piece of gear to have during this time of discovery. It is proper seamanship to be able to call for help if something goes wrong while you’re on the water.
Your plan to rewire the boat should include a connection for a radio. This one can work till you get that Christmas bonus. There will be plenty of opportunities to empty your wallet on fancy stuff.
I have not replaced my 25 YO station radio because it is very simple to use, I find the "interface" on new radios overly complicated.
Thank you JSSAILEM! This current radio has a 4 -prong power connection. I take your advice to heart, but also don't want to take the time to wire this radio if I plan on replacing it. I'm going to get onto ebay and see if I can find a gps/dsc enable radio with a more rational power connection.
Last edited:
Most modern VHF radios have a simple 2 wire power connection. Nothing particularly difficult about installing them.
The most challenging part of a VHF radio installation is the installing the coax connector on the antenna wire.
The most challenging part of a VHF radio installation is the installing the coax connector on the antenna wire.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,663
The 4 prong plug has 2 wires ( red and black) that are power to the radio. The other two wires go to the external speaker.
If you want to have a speaker in the cockpit you’ll have 4 wires for all radios. If you prefer to use the speaker attached in the radio then just wire the red to positive and the black to negative. On your wiring system.
If you want to have a speaker in the cockpit you’ll have 4 wires for all radios. If you prefer to use the speaker attached in the radio then just wire the red to positive and the black to negative. On your wiring system.
Modern radios have a lot of functions that if you need them are really useful. If you don't need them - well, what's the point? The red button that sends out the distress signal with GPS etc. is fantastic - if you need to use it. If you never need to use it - well - it would be the same as your current radio.
I really think it becomes a personal decision. Will you be more comfortable having a more modern radio with the added features? Another aspect that no one has mentioned - how much longer will that radio work trouble free? The problem is we don't know. If you are going through all the work now - sometimes it's easier to do the whole system instead of having a piecemeal system.
I boils down to your choice. Do you feel better getting a modern device? Do you feel this unit will keep working for years and you don't feel you'll ever need those modern safety features? These are personal choices. Yours.
dj
I really think it becomes a personal decision. Will you be more comfortable having a more modern radio with the added features? Another aspect that no one has mentioned - how much longer will that radio work trouble free? The problem is we don't know. If you are going through all the work now - sometimes it's easier to do the whole system instead of having a piecemeal system.
I boils down to your choice. Do you feel better getting a modern device? Do you feel this unit will keep working for years and you don't feel you'll ever need those modern safety features? These are personal choices. Yours.
dj
Last edited:
@dLj raises some excellent points. However, let me rephrase this question. If you choose to keep the current radio without the Emergency DCS, how would you feel if you found yourself needing that feature and not having it?
I faced a similar issue with the purchase of a life raft. We were planning a trip that included off shore passages and debated the need for the life raft. At one point I asked how would I feel if l didn't have the life raft and needed it? The answer was foolishly cheap and stupid as I counted my remaining time on earth in minutes and hours and instead of months and years.
good point. it's one of those questions - once asked you then know what the answer has to be. Unidens, such as the UM725GBK seem to be inexpensive options.
Let me first say that if it was me, I'd replace it.
However, replacing it isn't really necessary for the use you plan for your boat right now. In an emergency, you are far more likely (and successful) to pick up your phone and make a call to the CG, Seatow, the marina just down the river, etc rather than hit the DSC emergency button. If the radio fails in the future because of age, you can replace it in a day with no significant rewiring or other steps.
Continuity won't tell you anything about the condition of the coax. I'd just replace the coax entirely if it is old. On a C22, you can get away with using RG58, which is thin, flexible, and easy to run/install. If you aren't confident in your ability to install the connectors on the end, it usually isn't hard to find someone who is. You can buy the coax with a connector installed on one end, which will be the most important end to get right the first time.
Mark
However, replacing it isn't really necessary for the use you plan for your boat right now. In an emergency, you are far more likely (and successful) to pick up your phone and make a call to the CG, Seatow, the marina just down the river, etc rather than hit the DSC emergency button. If the radio fails in the future because of age, you can replace it in a day with no significant rewiring or other steps.
Continuity won't tell you anything about the condition of the coax. I'd just replace the coax entirely if it is old. On a C22, you can get away with using RG58, which is thin, flexible, and easy to run/install. If you aren't confident in your ability to install the connectors on the end, it usually isn't hard to find someone who is. You can buy the coax with a connector installed on one end, which will be the most important end to get right the first time.
Mark
I agree replacing the coax is a good idea.
A bit more detail - the connector at the top of the mast connecting the antenna - after you make that connection, wrap the entire connection in self fusing silicon tape. Wrap it well and use several layers..make sure the first wrap is really tight. You are looking to make a completely water proof seal over that entire connection. Just the screw on connector is not water proof.
Don't use electrical tape - it does not last.
dj