New VHF and stereo
I have recently bought a second hand Cruisecraft 685, and given the boats age the VHF and stereo need replacing. The current setup has a VHF and 27MHz (both Navman) in the dash and a stereo (GME) on the side as you enter the cabin. The 27MHz doesn't work, and I haven't actually needed to use it, so I am thinking of getting rid of it completely. I could then move the stereo to the dash in the 27MHz hole, making access to the stereo easier. Do other people still use 27MHz, or do you think I should get rid of it?
In terms of VHF, I am considering the GME and the iCom. I have read that the iCom is a better unit, but its substantially more expensive (less so if I buy overseas though). The GME would be easier to install as it has a faceplate that fits around it to cover the hole from the old VHF, whereas I would have to mske something up for the iCom. So, is the iCom worth the extra money to buy and hassle to install, or should I just get the GME.
For the stereo, I am looking at the Fusion (MS-IP700) and the GME. Fusion have some great units which can operate an ipod, which is way more convenient than CDs. They are also a dedicated stereo company so they probably so it better. GME have a fairly new product out called GDEK which looks great. The GDEK has 2 components, a control unit which would mount in the dash where the old 27MHz is, and a second unit that holds an ipod/USB and the speakers and everything plug into. This would actually work quite well as I could mount the second unit in the location of the current stereo as thats where the speaker wires all currently go. Then I just need to run a wire up to the dash to the control unit, which is easier than running all the wires to the dash. I am concerned that GME stereos are not as good as Fusion, and the sound would be better/louder from the Fusion.
So I am after everybodies opinion on stereos and radios.... do I need 27MHz? iCom or GME for the VHF? GME or Fusion for the stereo? Something else again? All opinions welcome
scotto
Posts: 2470
Date Joined: 21/04/08
you dont need 27meg,
And dont buy GME anything. They generally suck.
JohnF
Posts: 2836
Date Joined: 07/07/10
Yep, like Scotto says, I have
Yep, like Scotto says, I have gone through a few GME radios....crap.
Boston Whaler 235 Conquest......getting the flogging it was built for.
randall df223
Posts: 6454
Date Joined: 08/08/11
27 mg is on its way out.
27 mg is on its way out. Don't bother replacing it.
Fish! HARD!
Rob H
Posts: 5745
Date Joined: 18/01/12
get rid of the 27meg, go VHF
get rid of the 27meg, go VHF with DSC.
My 685 had Navman gear all across the dash, which I filled in with a "starboard" panel and mounted the replacement gear where I wanted it.
My stereo is next to the door to the cabin.
Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...
The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.
Everyone's just winging it.
fuzzy79
Posts: 116
Date Joined: 31/07/10
Where did you get the
Where did you get the starboard panel? I would only need 2 pieces about 150 x 300 each, but I can only find whole sheets of it
Rob H
Posts: 5745
Date Joined: 18/01/12
Ive got half a sheet at home
Ive got half a sheet at home in my shed.
Not home til next week though. Easy to work it with a router/trimmer
Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...
The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.
Everyone's just winging it.
meglodon
Posts: 5981
Date Joined: 17/06/10
Get an Icom
How much do you value your life, pay a little you get a little, pay a premium price you get a premium value VHF
Rig
Posts: 2925
Date Joined: 27/12/06
get both
as stated GME = crap IP ratings arent up to scratch
depending on the circumstance and if you want to spend the money get both 27 &VHF, alot of my mates i fish with only have 27meg so if I want to talk boat to boat thats the only option and I can usually get around 20 mile range, I must admit I use my 27 around perth alot more than the VHF just out of habit. I fitted a VHF for when I do some more remote trips as there is more chance of calling someone on VHF 16 in an emergency or using a repeater on the Ahbrohlis to pick up VSR etc
I picked up Uniden both VHF and 27meg a while ago when I refitted my boat they have been really good and not quite as expensive as the ICOM but heaps better than GME
RobertMc
Posts: 326
Date Joined: 19/01/09
Mate I have a uniden VHF
Mate I have a uniden VHF radio for years and never had a problem.
fuzzy79
Posts: 116
Date Joined: 31/07/10
Do you also use Uniden
Do you also use Uniden antennas? Any good?
Rig
Posts: 2925
Date Joined: 27/12/06
pacific
not sure if uniden make marine antenna's
As I posted below I use pacific antenna's, no probs
AaronC
Posts: 118
Date Joined: 26/10/11
Fuzzy,Went through the same
Fuzzy,
Went through the same process on my boat earlier this year. icom or gme. Was strongly advised to pay a little more and get a icom VHF. dont worry about a 27mg. icom works great and also spend a little bit more and get the biggest ariel you can buy. $250 more wont sound like much when your life is at risk.
Also bought the Fusion stereo you desire. It is extremely convenient and has great functions. Would highly recommend it. Has more functions than the average bloke will ever need. Only problem is i canged phones to a iphone 5 and it wont plug in due to new connection on iphone. Bought a old ipod of a mate and now leave it in the boat permanetley. Even better solution.
fuzzy79
Posts: 116
Date Joined: 31/07/10
I still have an iPhone 4,
I still have an iPhone 4, but about to get the 5 (or 6). I was thinking I would load all my music on the old iPhone 4 and leave it on the boat.
Where did you buy the stereo?
Ben85
Posts: 442
Date Joined: 20/11/11
yep agree with above, just
yep agree with above, just replaced my GME with an Icon (kept same ariel) and the difference in reception is worlds apart.
fuzzy79
Posts: 116
Date Joined: 31/07/10
Thanks for all your help. It
Thanks for all your help. It sounds like the iCom radio and Fusion stereo are the way to go.
A radio is only as good as the antenna you have on it, so what is everybody using. I assume the GME antennas are crap? Are the Pacific aerials any good? Is anybody using a Shakespeare antenna from the US?
Finally, without starting the buying locally or online debate, where have people found the best prices? Amazon looks the goods for the iCom - less than $200 for the M412.
merdel12
Posts: 306
Date Joined: 19/07/12
yep another vote for the
yep another vote for the fusion, can't go wrong with it.
Rig
Posts: 2925
Date Joined: 27/12/06
pacific
I run pacific antennas (3 of) and they are good, no probs
RobertMc
Posts: 326
Date Joined: 19/01/09
i have got the gme antennas
i have got the gme antennas both amfm and vhf mounted up high 2.4 m length again had these for a couple years never had a problem hearing anyone or callling someone.
carnarvonite
Posts: 8627
Date Joined: 24/07/07
27 meg
If the 27meg still works keep it as a back up, if kaput then dump it and don't replace it.
Have had no problems with GME, Cobra and Icom sets.
Like other have said, don't skimp on the aerial
Cruise Control
Posts: 970
Date Joined: 03/11/10
Thanks all for the feedback.
Thanks all for the feedback. Now that I am back home, I will recheck all of the connections before seeking someone to test it out. Some food for thought regarding the aerial. I two have a splitter between FM and VHF. Maybe separate aerials are the way to go.
cheers
fishy fingers
Posts: 1719
Date Joined: 28/04/07
Icom flush mounts
just had a quick look and Icom do flush mount for their marine vhf's
carnarvonite
Posts: 8627
Date Joined: 24/07/07
Yep
Yes, Icoms do a flush mount