To: >internet:paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net >> Regularly pack an Apelco 510 "waterproof" VHF, selling currently at about $260 (US) or less ... In our kayak shop we had very bad luck with the Apelco 510. We sold many of them because the price was good. Within a year all except one came back with leaks. Needless to say, we dropped them like a hot potato. To Raytheon's credit, refunds were no problem; however, having a warranty that works and a radio that works when you really need it are two different things. (And unfortunately, when many folks buy a "waterproof" radio they are reluctant to also buy a dry bag for it, or if they have one they don't use it every time.) Apparently several VHF manufactures figure most users will never get their radios wet, and will replace the small percentage that leak. Inexpensive VHFs that have proven reliable for us (zero returns) are the Uniden HH980 and Icom M1. I particularly like the Uniden because it is one of the few VHFs still in production that has a "large bore" antenna coax fitting (TNC) that will accept a 1/2 wave antenna. While slightly larger than the M1, it has a bigger battery and longer battery life. My apology in advance if speaking from my experience in the business touches some buttons; however, it is experience that is germane to an extensive thread and I think of interest. -- Larry Edwards *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
I used to make sea socks with large container plastic bags. The only problem they had is that if pulled my spray skirt off, the sea sock would also come off. I do not see how any other sea sock would solve that problem. - Julio > > -- Larry Edwards > > *************************************************************************** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ > *************************************************************************** > > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
ralph diaz wrote: > > Phlopz_at_aol.com wrote: > > My experience: > > It sags and clings clammily to your legs. > > You have to burp the sea sock before getting into the boat. That will > greatly reduce the clinging which results mainly from air pressure > within the boat pressing the sea sock on to you. Depending on the boat to a degree, you can get by alright without burping your sock before paddling your boat. (I pilot an F-Craft Khats) > > It scrunches up and is hard to get into. Before "strapping" myself into the cockpit, I use the paddle to shove my sock into position. Kinda like kickin' the tires before takeoff. > > I also worry about the sock pulling off of the coaming and making a mess in > > case of a wet exit --although that Murphey's Law prospect did not happen to > > me. > > To my knowledge what you describe doesn't happen to anyone. In > addition, when getting back into the boat, you will have very little > water to pump out as Phil Torrens pointed out earlier today. As I mentioned in my last post, I have yet to dislodge my sock during 3 years of storm paddling, rescue drills, and fast exits. Worth adding, though, is that I replaced F-Craft's adjustable bungie-bottomed sprayskirt with a Palm spraydeck so tight, it's _nearly_ impossible to pop one handed - with NO problems of sea sock dislodgment. Case closed. > > My sock is in the care of my son, who uses it as a second line of defense in > > rough conditions; or does he? > > Mine was used for a laundry bag and eventually I think I gave it to > someone from Feathercraft who was visiting. I now want one back for > rolling practice. I find mine doubles very conveniently as a gear bag for hauling all my garbage from chariot to shore and vice versa. At home, the cats have taken a liking to it when their litter boxes haven't been cleaned recently enough. No claw pinholes so far and I'm sure glad it's waterproof and easily washable ;-) Vince who's feelin' more like Fri. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Larry Edwards wrote: > In our kayak shop we had very bad luck with the Apelco 510. > We sold many of them because the price was good. Within a year all > except one came back with leaks. Needless to say, we dropped them > like a hot potato. Appreciate the warning. Where did they seem to leak (if you could tell)? Was it at the battery/transceiver joint or through the membrane over the button pad? > Inexpensive VHFs that have proven reliable for us (zero > returns) are the Uniden HH980 and Icom M1. I particularly like the > Uniden because it is one of the few VHFs still in production that > has a "large bore" antenna coax fitting (TNC) that will accept a > 1/2 wave antenna. While slightly larger than the M1, it has a > bigger battery and longer battery life. What is your experience with a 1/2 wave antenna? Any increase in transmitter range? > My apology in advance if speaking from my experience in the > business touches some buttons; however, it is experience that is > germane to an extensive thread and I think of interest. Not a problem. Grateful for authoritative info. I earn money at a job, too, and share pertinent info here gleaned from my "day job." -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Jumping into Dave Kruger's and Larry Edwards' conversation about the Apelco 510 with a single data point; mine leaked in the display area --- after taking a good hit on a concrete pier. Apelco took it back, with some obvious damage plus water intrusion, and replaced it, no cost. Shortly thereafter, I saw a <lot> of "factory reconditioned" 510s for sale in the chain boat store ads for about $180 --- must have been mine and all the others that Larry saw being returned. Since then, my new one has been fine. From personal observations, the potential weak points of that radio are in (1) the rubber cover for the external mike/speaker jacks, (2) the antenna/body connection joint, and (3) the battery/body joint. But that's probably the same with most "waterproof" handhelds. When this one finally dies, I'll get one of the the new "submersibles" with weather alert --- and I'd look at the Apelco again for the price and the company's support, although the Icom is also attractive. Thanks for the professional inputs, Larry. Jack Martin *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
To: >internet:paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Dave, >> Appreciate the warning. Where did they seem to leak ... I did not disassemble to avoid voiding warranties, but as I recall the seal was very complicated (lots of curves). Likely just poor design. >> What is your experience with a 1/2 wave antenna? Any increase in transmitter range? No specifics, but a definite improvement. At Tracy Arm (a fiord 40 miles south of Juneau) a customer with a 1/2 wave on an Icom M9 was able to communicate with Juneau, while his buddy in a Bayliner power boat with 25 watts and a big-boat whip antenna couldn't. 1/2 waves help here in situations where you can get a bounce off of a mountainside, as well as giving better range over flat water. Why the big boat couldn't get a signal in or out I don't know, but I have heard of other similar situations. BTW the M7 and M9 are excellent radios if you can find a used one (they are no longer made). It has a big-bore TNC coax jack for the antenna, and an optional battery case that takes 6-AA batteries. With Ni-Cads you can keep your radio functioning on long trips with a small solar charger. (If anyone is interested, I have an AA battery case that has been gathering dust here since the M7 and M9 went out of production -- send me a sidebar). While not waterproof, these radios have some big advantages if you are willing to keep them dry by other means. -- Larry Edwards Baidarka Boats *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:32:49 PDT