[Paddlewise] VHF in Kayaks

Hi, Moin, Servus, Hello, Gruezi, G´Morning a.s.o.

And now for something completely different!

I´m planning to fit in my double (first, later the freighting single, also)
a 25 Watt VHF Marine Radio (Shipmate RS 8300 SOS). Especially this
transmitter is in my opinion almost the best choice for a kayak. The
reasons why are extremely different. The best might be, it is a)
technically possible, b) it makes sense and c) it now officially permitted
in germany to use a handheld transmitter but a 25Watt set is the better
choice.

I don´t want to explain all specifications on these special marine radio,
except the fact it can give you the maximum on safety via VHF because it
can use GPS data (position and time) in combination with an individual code
[MMSI) (so the officials recognise a distress call coming from a kayak), to
send a digital SOS sign on Channel 70. In combination with mobile telefon
and pyrotechnical signals and (who those got too much money) a 406 MHz
EPIRB (or better PLB, question of registration), a padller can´t do more
for his/her passiv safety if all other had failed.
Okay, funny! I´ve explained the main specification on the SOS-function. The
rest is a normal 54 channel VHF transmitter working on black box princip.
All function (buttons) are use on the waterproof handheld listener (right
word?), all technical is in the black box behind your bulkhead where the
leadacid akku is placed.

Okay, that´s a world on its own.

What I would like ask the whole paddling world, who gots experience with
stationed (fixed) VHF Marine Radios in kayaks? Maybe especially with this
set (shipmate) ?
And whats the most important point on this topic, who gots experience with
Antennas fixed to the kayak or fixed on a mast (pole)?
transmitting range? problems? how react big ships? problems with waves
(antenna)?

There is a quite simple reason I´m going to fit in a transmitter in my
double (Aleut Sea II). I´m planning a longer crossing (300sm) and I will do
everything to make this tour as save as possible in every aspect. In the
area we will paddle is a lot of ship traffic, so VHF is the best way to
avoid problems and ask for the "right way".... :-)))

At this point of time, the nearer aspect on the tour are quite "top
secret", until we got everything (huu, difficult to explain) sorted so we
can tell it to the public and won´t tumble in awkwardness.

best regards
Jochen Grikschat

PS: Matt and Gabriel, I will send you pics from the Umiak when my scanner
will work in a exceptable way. Okay?

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