Hand held VHF - Inputs?

[jdelayknee]

Hi all, 3 days and couting!! Bring family back after 23 years absence. Bought a couple of marine handheld vhf units so we can keep connected (essential communication only) when we split up . U know ... guys go fishing, girls go shopping! Looking for inputs on channels to use, etiquette, general comments on effectivenesss, interference issues etc. The boat we rented will have a 25 watt unit. the hand held's are 3 watt..

[darnold]

jdelayknee,

WOW. 23 years. It will be great to hear how things have changed/stayed the same for you. Best luck on your trip.

Gator

[pelicanpete]

Thanks for being so considerate in asking which VHF channels to avoid. There are, indeed, a number of 'reserved' channels. The best way to find out what they are is to listen in to the daily broadcast of "The Cruisers' Net" on CH 68 at 8:15 AM as soon as you arrive for a list of such channels. The one they usually forget to mention not to use is CH 06 (Taxis) - unless you are hailing a taxi, of course!

As far as etiquette; it's the same as elsewhere in the world. Listen first before pressing the PTT button. Hail on a calling channel, switch to a working channel, if it's already in use-establish another working channel. Keep conversations brief.

There are some 'dead-spots' e.g. between Hope Town Harbour and Marsh Harbour but mostly, propogation is good and 'line-of-sight.'

Enjoy your stay.

[CATNAPSzzz]

Besides Ch. 6.
22 (BASRA)
70 (Can't use-digital only)
72 (Hopetown Fire and Rescue)
80 (Marsh Harbour Police, Fire and Rescue)

There may be one or two more(Treasure Cay Medical?) (haven't anchored the NET since March-how soon we forget Pattie) and from time to time special events are announced and you are asked not to use a specific Ch. for a specific time.

68 is the preferred hailing ch. so as to keep 16 free for boaters, commercial interests(16 is where you would call most businesses like marinas, restaurants etc.) and emergencies. We call on 68 and switch to another ch.

Don't say "break break" to get on as that is indicative of an emergency.

If you are breaking in one "break" is enough.

When hailing say the call sign of the party you are trying to reach twice followed by your call sign. When (if) you get a response be prepared to tell them what ch. you want to switch to. It is a good idea to listen to one or two channels and see if they are clear (no guarantee they will be when you get there of course) prior to your selection.

The NET starts at 8:15AM on Ch. 68 and unless it is important (in which case ask for a break) all hailing ceases on 68 at that time untill the end of the NET (that usually is somewhere between 8:50 and 9:15 give or take. Since a whole lot of those present listen to the NET many will ask for someone during "Open Mike" and request they make contact after the NET is concluded.

Your handheld, depending on your location, will not reach everywhere. You can always go to 68 and ask someone to help you with a relay and there is almost always someone standing by who will try and reach your party for you and then switch to another Ch. with you to "moderate".

[pelicanpete]

Great stuff Harry! I was taking the lazy way out :)

[CATNAPSzzz]

You still there?

[jdelayknee]

Catsnapp, thanks for a incredibly thorough response to my inquiry. Exactly what I was looking for. We'll be there 7/7 thru 7/14 soo if you hear the call sign "slyfox" you'll know its me.

[CATNAPSzzz]

You will have brought to Abaco the most powerful VHF handheld in the world. Sad to say but I don't think you will reach Maine. Wish I were there to hear it.
Have fun!