Adding VHF
 

I currently use an Icom handheld but I can only hear the damn thing if we are off plane. I would like to add a VHF radio to our '03 Boss 302 but Baja's leave very little room to add electronics cleanly. I was thinking of one with a remote access microphone. That way I could hide the base unit somewhere and control everything from the microphone.

I am open for recommendations that have worked well for people and if you have some pictures, that would be great too.

As for antennas, I assume I should get the one with the most gain as possible.

If you use a remote access microphone vhf you have about the same volume as you do with your handheld. You will have a hard time finding a vhf that you can hear underway. I have mine mounted right below the shifters, and I can just barely hear it when up on plane.

Jeff,
I was also thinking have installing a speaker near or around the shifters too. I am not sure if that will help things or not.

Also, what antenna are you using?

If you look in the picture right below the GPS, I have a removable antenna. When you are not using it just twists off. It is a 3 ft. antenna and it works great.

I wish someone would come up with an antenna like a car radio antenna where you could make it electric.

I have a 302 and I flush mounted mine on the door of the fuse panel under the helm. I can hear it when on plane but I have to duck under the windshiled. I had to modify the brackets to clear the fuses but it is neat and works well.

I forgot to say that I do have quick and quiet II on my boat so it is not that loud. But you could mount the VHF where I did and then add a speaker below the sticks. I didn't want the vhf below the sticks because I was afraid I would hit it when in rough water.

If you really want to be able to hear the VHF clearly while under way, use a set of headphones. Only way to go if you really want to understand what every is saying.

I have the steel snailbote 3' ant. for my vhf. Looks ok when up.

Frank

I mounted an ICOM in the 272 we had like you are talking about with the remote control mic. Put the unit flush mount to the bulk head just left as you entered the cuddy and the mic at the helm. It worked pretty well.

The problem is with any performance boat with engine and wind noise you will not be able to hear much.

This is why on the 36 I had the VHF interfaced with my headset communication system.

Here are a few pictures.

By the way, I keep a backup handheld unit in the boat also for safety. It also come in handy to carry when you are at the docks or a local resturant you can communicate with friends as you see them on the water.

Mounted Unit to right for easy access.

If you look at Dock's pic above, I flush mounted mine just above and a little forward of the shifters and my antenna is the same and actually mounted in the exact place. You have to be sure the gunwale is wide enough for the depth of the radio but it sure is a sweet place to put it. I hated to clutter up my dash and I'm 6'4" and didn't want my legs banging into it.

The issue I have with this location is that my stereo speakers are right there.

you can also mount the antenna that Dock Holiday posted inside and behind the drivers seat. I like the cleaner look IMHO.

On my dad's 29 outlaw, we used the same antenna but mounted it using a rail mount to the grab handle by the rear seat. Didn' have to drill any holes and it kept the outside of the boat looking clean.

Looks like you could mount the VHF unit just below and to the right of the steering wheel. That's where mine is and it is out of the way and easy to read and control. I also mounted a separate speaker on the gunwall next to the bolster. That helps a lot since it gets the speaker closer to your ear. It is still hard to hear clearly when you are on the throttles and standing in the wind. When setting down and cruising though it is fine.