New VHF Options

[Evopro54]

Hi Guys,

Does anyone have a good replacement unit for the Northstar NS100 that came standard on the 2011 models? (See Picture #1 attached)

The Garmin 315 looks like a direct replacement but I don't want to cough up $600+ for a VHF when I'm only going 1-2 miles from land.


Also,

Picture #2 - removed the OEM dome light and installed Lumitec downlights (they look fantastic). Any idea how to remove this rust ring? Or maybe a cover that will go over it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[wspitler]

The electronics are not installed by the factory. Usually the dealer who initially sold the boat installs the electronics or has a subcontracted electronics installer. As for the rust ring, you can try vinegar, but more likely you'll need a product like Goof Off rust remover that contains oxalic acid. There are many, but be sure to rinse thoroughly as it is very caustic.

 

[Hookup1]

I just installed a Standard Horizon 1850. About $200. NMEA2000 GPS interface. Other modes for NMEA183. New antenna. Only thing it doesn't have is a hailer. Works great.

 

[Fishtales]

On and Off hull cleaner for the rust followed by barkeepers friend or vice versa.
Many choices for a VHF. I'd go to WM and see the options then shop it around.

 

[Blaugrana]

I would research the features that you want and then look at what your options are.

- AIS
- DSC
- NMEA2000
- Integrated GPS
...XXX

I went with the SH 1850G as there was a good sale last month (172) plus 30 rebate. AIS would be a great feature but I shied away from it .

 

[Parthery]

Blaugrana, who had it for $172? Cheapest I've seen is about $220. Still a decent deal, but if there is someone else out there.......

 

[glacierbaze]

$195

Standard Horizon 1850g Fixed Mount VHF W/gps - Black for sale online | eBay

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$209 Amazon Prime, if you want it tomorrow.

$170, after $30 rebate. Slightly different model #'s, the last 2 letters after the 1850 vary.

The GPS Store, Inc. GPS Systems, Marine Electronics

The GPS Store, Inc. Official Site - The Worlds Favorite Source for Marine Electronics, Garmin GPS units, Furuno, Lowrance, Raymarine & Accessories.

www.thegpsstore.com

 

[Doc Stressor]

I replaced my non-internal GPS radio with a SH 1850G about a year ago. I agree with the recommendations above. The speaker is very load and clear. I can hear it easily from inside the electronics box so I was able to get rid of my external speaker.

 

[Hookup1]

Where did you find the rebate?

 

[glacierbaze]

On my last link, for thegpsstore.com, scroll down to the bottom, and 2 of the 3 models have rebates until Mar. 31st, IIRC.

 

[Evopro54]

Thanks for the responses guys!

I should’ve elaborated - I am looking for a VHF that will be a direct replacement, component wise, for the Northstar. For example, the Garmin 315 has a very similar sized speaker, handset, and a hideaway head unit

I’d rather not have to cover the hole that the speaker and handset locations would leave if I went with another brand and configuration.

Plus, it is a DC Freedom, I have very little available dash space for a stand alone unit.

I have the option to buy an in-the-box new ICOMM unit from a relative. Figured I’d poke around here for ideas

 

[SkunkBoat]

"black box" VHFs are generally pricey. I think the Icomm M400BB is about $400

If you are seriously a 1-2 mile sailor then get a handheld and mount a charger and be done

 

[Blaugrana]

Blaugrana, who had it for $172? Cheapest I've seen is about $220. Still a decent deal, but if there is someone else out there.......

I got from Hodges in December. They actually had the 1850G $25 less than the 1850 at that point and then got the rebate on top of it. Might have been a price mistake.

 

[Blaugrana]

I got from Hodges in December. They actually had the 1850G $25 less than the 1850 at that point and then got the rebate on top of it. Might have been a price mistake.

Just looked at the places on my list that had it under 180, such as Ultimate Passage, but they are no longer selling it. If you are not in a rush, hold off until right before that rebate expires. Other stores might be getting rid of it also before then.

 

[Evopro54]

"black box" VHFs are generally pricey. I think the Icomm M400BB is about $400

If you are seriously a 1-2 mile sailor then get a handheld and mount a charger and be done

Hadn't even considered a handheld to this point! I'm in the Western Long Island Sound, NY I can run 20 miles East and West and still have land within 1-3 miles North and South of me at all times. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[DennisG01]

Evopro, are you replacing simply due to the (common) cord failure? I'm doing this now and may have found a guy that can do the cord.

 

[Evopro54]

Hi Dennis -

Yes an No. It turns on and the handheld changes channels, but I get no call in or call out. If I were to troubleshoot it, I'd obviously start with the cord due to its condition. Whether that fixes it or not is another story.

What are you doing for a cord replacement?

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

I had a Standard Horizon black box in my 192. worked great ..I love Garmin products, but as far as VHF goes I am either Icom or Standard in large part because my dad was a ham and both those brands in his ham shack , Yaesu is Standard Vertex ham division. He also had their rigs in his car too. Their mobile stuff is solid.

You can go cheap on boat wax, dock lines , cup holders, courtesy deck lights and so forth on a boat. I don't think you should go cheap on the VHF or antenna . Your life and crew might depend on it one day.

 

[Evopro54]

I hear you Smoky!! I going to go with the ICOM 400BB and purchase the external speaker as well.

You guys were a big help - didn't realize I was looking for a 'black box' VHF until this thread.

Thanks again!

 

[Rustygaff]

I installed a SH GX2400 last year. It has built in GPS so does not require a feed from your chartplotter for AIS even though I have them linked via my NMEA 2000 network. So far, no problems. I think they can be had for under $400.00.