[Paddlewise] VHF Questions

Hi,

Normally I let the VHF queries and answers fly over my head.  Oh, I read
them, but not with any great intensity.  So, discussions from much
earlier have been stored away in a mishmash.  

However I will hit the big 60 this coming weekend and am NOW suggesting
to my wife that a VHF might be a good gift idea.  This is a big step for
me (the VHF step; can't do much about Father Time :-)) for several
reasons:

1) I basically distrust all things electrical and electronic in sea
conditions even flashlights (which I carry a reduntant amount of, just
in case);

2) I see a radio as potentially one more crutch to have along to get me
out of a jam that I should not have gotten myself into in the first
place.  Or reach for a radio when other self solutions would work just
as well if not better. 

So, I am kind of in the market for one right now.  I've taken a cursory
look and want something the price range and size of the Icom M1. It is
now rated at submersible, something that I think is a recent upgrade.  I
would like to know so I don't get stuck with a discontinued version that
is at some lower grade of water impermability.

It really has to be small, otherwise, knowing myself, I will soon stop
bringing it along.  If there are other _small_ models that I should be
contemplating, I would like to hear about them.  

My needs are just basically for daytrips at the moment.  I think a VHF
marine radio might be useful when paddling in the heavy traffic we have
around here.  Thusfar, I have managed to do just fine without monitoring
or transmitting vis-a-vis ferries and large boats.  I've just observe
their pattern of movement and adjust my course and location to keep me
out of their way.

Anyway, I am now in the purchase contemplation stage.  I am glad that
Rich Mitchell piped up with comments as I have met him when was my guest
for a Statue of Liberty trip here about three years ago, and I value his
opinion (especially his good sense to be a subscriber to my newsletter
:-)).

Just one additional question.  Several individuals have talked about
transmitting from land.  I thought that marine radios could not be used
on shore or is that something that applied earlier when licenses were
required?  

ralph diaz


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Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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