I'm using Standard Horizon unit that has remote mic/dsc capability/weather channels. With remote mic, I can keep base station mounted inside cabin above lower helm. A cable connects to a remote mic with built-in speaker on the f'bridge. The remote mic can control most (maybe all, I forget) functions on the base unit. It's now about 6 or 7 yrs old and has always functioned well. There are newer units in which the remote mic is wirelessly connected (bluetooth?) which saves a big installation step. But the tradeoff is powering the remote with rechargeable batteries.
I don't know what scanning options there are today but you will want to put in a series of favorite channels (9, 13, 16, 68, 69, 70 (DSC), 71, 72 are the most favored ones in this part of the Chesapeake Bay).
Advertised ranges are mfr's guesses. Good, tall antenna is critical to range. More so than radio power. So is radio's ability to reject stray signals (sensitivity). Long time ago when they were still publishing, Powerboat Reports concluded that price doesn't equate with quality.
One feature radio must have is ability to handle DSC. It's the digital xmit/rcv capability that most Coast Guard stations can now handle for distress traffic. You can wire the radio to the GPS so your position info can be transmitted - a great benefit in an emergency. There is also the capability to do very narrow bandwidth transmissions to accommodate more channels. Commercial fishermen, for example, might utilize these "private" channels to talk openly about where the fish are biting and exclude us mere rubes from the conversation.
I haven't shopped for a radio for years but I would guess most units can now do DSC.
Joel Albert, Potomac MD
"Charlie B" - 1988 32' FBS
Twin 318's/FWC/16x15 nibral props
docked Deale, MD
