Marine Waterline

You will need to get an appropriate trolling motor ready on your boat if you want to keep on moving along the water. The best trolling motor battery can make a real difference when you are looking for something worthwhile. A great trolling unit will come with a quality electric thrust motor and propeller as well as the necessary controls needed to keep it operational.

Such a motor is ideal for when you are trying to go after pelagic fish. With this motor, it becomes easier for you to slowly drag the bait you are using behind your boat. This may help you with finding fish and can even entail your bait sweeping the side all the way through depending on how you lay out the bait yourself.

But the problem with many trolling motors is that they are gas-powered. You need to stick with an electric motor that can potentially last for a longer period of time and will not make as much noise as a gas-powered model. An electric motor is also cleaner and should not disrupt the water quality in the spot you are fishing in.

Your trolling motor will need a quality battery for it to work through. There are many choices you can look for when getting a trolling motor battery ready for your use. Each works with its own features and can run for hours at a time depending on what you order.

Also, some of these batteries are better suited for certain types of boats. This is based on how large those boats are and how much power they can handle at a given time. Look carefully to see what is available when finding the best trolling motor battery that fits in with your needs.

Comparison For The Best Trolling Motor Battery

Top Seven Trolling Motor Batteries Reviews 

Our top seven trolling motor batteries are given below:

1. Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M Blue Top
2. VMAX Charge Tank VMAX V35-857 AGM Battery
3. Mighty Max 12V 35Ah Light Battery
4. Mighty Max 12V 35Ah Minn Kota Endura C2
5. Interstate Batteries Deep Cycle Battery DCM0035
6. VMAX MR127 12-Volt 100Ah AGM Deep Cycle Battery
7. Mighty Max Battery 12V 55Ah Electric Trolling Motor

Trolling motor and trolling motor batteries are very much related to fishing. Our important article on best GPS fish finder combo reviews can be useful for the fishing people.

Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M BlueTop

The first choice to find as you look for the best trolling motor battery out there is this model from Optima Batteries. This 12-volt battery works with 750 cold-cranking amps. This is enough to provide you with more starting power even when the weather in an area is not all that great.

The BlueTop is designed to be used as a starting battery. It can work well in cases where the battery’s only function is designed to help with starting the motor.

This should do well for most boat models, what with the 55 Ah power level working to help handle even the strongest motors. It can also work as a deep cycle battery after you start it up, but you would have to ensure the battery works well enough and has enough power for the demands you have.

The spiral-wound cells inside the BlueTop battery are made with pure lead plates. Lead oxide is utilized as a coating. This offers a more efficient process for transferring power while also keeping the cost associated with building a battery down. Stainless steel plus are also included to keep the battery working in most water conditions.

This model offers two hours of reserve power for use after the main power supply is worn out. This ensures you have enough time to get the boat out to an appropriate place in the event that you might run out of power at a time.

The power can be restored after a while through recharging, although it is best to avoid using far too much power when trying to make it work.

Pros

• Can be mounted in any position
• Fully spill-proof
• Can be used on both your boat and on an RV for starting it up

Cons

• Not intended for cycling duty
• It may not work for most other standard functions outside of starting the motor

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VMAX Charge Tank VMAX V35-857 AGM Battery

The next option for the best trolling motor battery is this 12-volt AGM battery from VMAX. This is a 35 Ah battery that is easy to set up on your boat and has a streamlined design on its terminals to ensure you can get the battery running fast. The strong tank design on this battery keeps the electrolyte materials inside the appropriate mats.

The basic layout works with a series of simple terminals that can produce energy rather quickly. The terminals work exceptionally well when you are trying to get enough power off of a smaller battery.

The battery can last from about four to ten hours off of a charge. This timing varies based on the weight of the boat or how fast the motor is going. This can work for motors from about 20 to 35 pounds in weight on average and is not intended for larger models.

This battery, like many other models VMAX sells, is a deep cycle battery. It will work well with discharging itself all the way so the motor will get all the energy it requires. You might have to test the battery on occasion to see how well it is working and to figure out how much power is left at a given time.

Pros

• Supports most types of small boat motors
• Simple design

Cons

• Power usage varies heavily based on motor usage
• Needs to be connected closer to the motor to work

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Mighty Max 12V 35Ah Light Battery

This sealed lead acid battery is designed with simple terminals that allow you to quickly get charging items on them. The small circular openings on those terminals help you keep the battery working quickly.

Although you would have to watch for how you are going to mount the battery, it can still be handled in any position you want to place it in. The solid body will not be impacted by most water conditions. It resists vibrations quite well too.

The 12-volt design of this model ensures that the battery will keep working without overheating. It does not produce significant shocks in anyone who uses it, although you should avoid being overly physical on the battery for it to work well enough.

The battery works well for smaller boats including ones that use Minn Kota and Sevylor motors. The deep cycle feature on the battery works well for using more of its power, but it still manages to recover all of its power each time it is recharged, thus ensuring you do not run out of power prematurely.

Pros

• Simple to secure onto a boat
• Easy to maintain without having to add any fluids or other compounds

Cons

• Does not come with a wire harness
• Might not fit onto some mounting brackets

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Mighty Max AGM Battery 12V Minn Kota Endura C2 Trolling Motor Brand Product

A vital concern to see about some trolling motor batteries is that they are made with specific types of motors in mind. This choice for the best trolling motor battery from Mighty Max is made to work with the Minn Kota Endura C2 30-lb trolling motor. Although this 12-volt, 35 Ah battery can work with many other models, it works best with that Minn Kota model or at least something relatively similar to it. You would have an easier time mounting the battery onto it at this point.

This all comes with the same features that Mighty Max offers for many of its great batteries. These include the simple terminals with secured holes in them for connections.

The battery can even go onto your body without adding lots of weight, what with it weighing around 23 pounds before wires and other mounting materials are added.

The battery could still work on other 30-lb trolling motors. However, Mighty Max recommends that this model works with ones from Minn Kota if possible thanks to how the design of the battery fits in well with most portable materials. This should be enough for making it easier for people to get their motors running, but it does help to watch for how well it can be laid out.

Pros

• Simple terminal design
• Does not require extensive maintenance
• Sturdy body

Cons

• Not intended for very large vessels
• Works better with short wires

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Interstate Batteries Deep Cycle Battery DCM0035

Interstate Batteries has been making various batteries for vehicles of all sorts. Today the company proudly offers its own battery for trolling motors. This battery uses a setup that can work for most trolling motors and many other boats.

The terminal feature lets you connect items quickly with large bodies. These will not come apart easily and are carefully integrated into the main body of the battery to keep it operational. This is vital for ensuring that anyone can get a quality battery charge moving well enough.

The battery is designed as an all-around model. It can even be linked to many other batteries of the same kind in the event you need to get a larger boat prepared. However, it is best to keep this working with just one battery at a time as it is better to keep it working on just one unit at a time for the best results.

Pros

• Versatile enough to handle many trolling motors
• Easy to install
• The simple layout offers quick connections from both terminals

Cons

• Works best for smaller boats that do not require too much power
• May not fit all brackets or mounts

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VMAX MR127 12-Volt 100Ah AGM Deep Cycle Battery

VMAX returns on this list with a stronger 100 Ah model. This is designed with heavier boats in mind. It can handle 40 to 100-pound trolling motors from Minn Kota, Cobra, and Sevylor among many others.

This comes with the same features that other VMAX batteries have to offer including a strong body that does not leak. The glass mat surfaces will absorb the electrolytes on the inside well enough to keep them from potentially leaking and coming apart.

The battery can last for up to twelve hours on a single charge when the motor is running at its slowest speed. The 100 Ah capacity ensures that the battery will keep on working.

It can last for about two hours at a time when the boat is running at its fastest speed. This is based on how a 40-lb thrust motor uses the battery. The timing may vary based on the particular battery that is being used at a time.

Pros

• Operates for a while
• Versatile with many major trolling motors
• Simple interface

Cons

• Adds a good deal of weight onto the boat
• Terminals can corrode easily in some cases

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Mighty Max Battery 12V 55Ah Electric Trolling Motor Deep Cycle Battery

This last option for the best trolling motor battery is a Mighty Max model that produces a little more power than most other models from the company.

The battery offers a great design that can handle more energy at a given time and can operate in many temperatures.

This also comes with a compact body with it being around nine inches on its longest sides. The sealed lead-acid battery offers a solid surface that does not leak.

You can get around four to eight hours of use on this battery. This is based on a 30 or 40-lb motor and on the speed you go while on it. The battery is suitable for most all-day fishing desires, but it does take an extra bit of time for you to get it powered up all the way.

The battery can fit well onto the surface of your boat too. The fit layout makes it easy for the battery to start running as demanded. The simple design and organization ensure that it will not be hard to get the battery to start working in any situation you might have for it.

Pros

• Suitable for use on most types of powerboats
• Resists vibrations
• Does not produce shocks

Cons

• Terminals can corrode quickly
• Takes longer for it to recharge
• Weighs more than most other models

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Buying Guide

You must look at how well a trolling motor battery is designed when finding something of value. Each battery on the market is designed with its own distinct features.

You should know how to compare each of these points with one another to get an idea of what you can expect out of a quality motor. You should not have much trouble finding the best trolling motor battery for your needs when you look around to see what is out there.

Our post about how to mount a trolling motor can be handy for those who want to know, especially for beginners.

What Is the Lifespan?

The lifespan of your battery needs to be reviewed in many ways. In particular, you would have to look at both how many years it can last and also your plans for using the battery.

A battery can last for two years or more in most cases, but you should expect to get a new battery after about five years. At this point, the electrolytes in the battery will have worn out all the way.

The lifespan might be a little longer if you do not use the battery that often. Still, you would use it to test the battery on occasion and make sure it is stored properly so it will not prematurely lose its power and charge. Add it to your checklist for boat winterization.

Watch for this when seeing how well your batteries and can handled and that you know what you are getting out of them.

Review the Amps

Start looking for a battery by reviewing the amps that come with it. A battery is measured in amps, a total that measures the charge inside the battery that allows an amp of current to discharge over an hour.

The main point is that a battery with more amps or amp hours will hold more electricity. Smaller trolling motor batteries can handle about 25 to 50 Ah of power. Some of the largest options can work with 100 Ah of power.

The amount of power that will be used up by your battery will vary based on how fast your boat goes or how large your motor might be. You will use more power if the boat goes too fast or the motor is rather large and requires extra effort for powering it up.

Check the Power System

The way how a battery is powered up should be checked accordingly. A battery can come with a 12-volt charge for the most part. This should be enough for an average motor, but you might need to get multiple batteries linked up together just to start something a little larger in size.

You will not be likely to find any batteries that work with more than 12 volts of power at a time. Be aware of what you are coming across when finding such a battery so you have a good plan for making it work.

What Is the Weight?

The weight of your battery is important to look at. Some trolling motor batteries can weigh around 25 pounds while others could be 50 pounds or more in weight.

A heavier battery might contain a better charge, but it will also create an extra bit of drag on your boat.

The battery weight, in this case, does not include the wires, mounting features, and other items you would require to make it work accordingly. Check out what is available for your use so you can get more out of your work.

Review the Wires

The wires that are used on your battery should be coated well enough without exposing anything that might be fragile. But for the best results, it helps to keep the wires from being too long.

The wires should be short enough to confirm a better connection all the way through.

Don’t forget to check the wires if you want to have a second-hand boat.

Wet-Cell or AGM?

When finding a trolling motor battery, you will more than likely come across one of three options.

1.Wet-Cell

A wet-cell battery is a more commonplace battery that can last for about two years on average. This battery works as one where the cells or plates inside of it are doused in electrolyte fluid, hence the “wet” name. Water and sulfuric acid are typically used in a wet-cell battery.

You would have to regularly fill the battery with water to allow it to handle its full charge. You would have to do this every six months to keep the battery cells from wearing out or suffering from extreme damages.

Also, a wet-cell battery is susceptible to damages from vibrations and other physical impacts. Still, one of these batteries can be found for pretty cheap on the market and might work well when you are trying to get somewhere where the water is not all that rough.

2. AGM

An AGM battery is an absorbed glass mat unit. It is fully sealed and does not require any maintenance. It will not be hurt by vibrations or most other forms of pressure either.

It can last for about twice as long as a wet-cell battery too. Still, it will cost significantly more money than a wet-cell model.

A series of glass mats are used inside an AGM battery to keep the electrolytes in. No fluids are needed in this model. A full weave is used on the glass mats to use thin glass materials that link up well to keep electrolytes in without potentially leaking.

An AGM battery may also be called a sealed lead acid battery or valve-regulated lead-acid battery. These are all the same things based on how they work.

3. Gel-based

Gel-based batteries are not as common as what you might find elsewhere. Such batteries include a gel-like surface that features sulfuric acid and fumed silica alongside pure water.

The gels keep leaks from developing in the event of any damages to the battery itself. Also, the charging process produces both hydrogen and oxygen, thus ensuring that the water stores in the area are maintained well.

This takes a bit of extra time to charge up as it operates at a low voltage level. It is not all that easy to find such a battery due to the complicated process required for getting the gel prepared here.

Most of the batteries you will find today are AGM batteries. You can find many other choices for all your requirements if desired, but it helps to look at your needs for fishing to see what is right for you.

Identify Maintenance Points

The good news about most of today’s batteries is that they do not require all that much maintenance. They are made with solid bodies and are typically not at risk of leaking.

Still, you must watch for the type of materials that your battery uses. A wet-cell battery is a good example of this. You would have to regularly add water to that battery just to keep it working properly.

Also, a battery might develop corrosion over time. This corrosion can be dangerous to the battery as it will prevent a proper charge from coming along over time.

Make sure you look at how well your battery is working in any situation. You might have to take a careful look at how well the battery is working and that its body is intact at all times.

Always avoid using any battery that you feel does not appear to be fully charged or ready for use.

Warranty

Each battery manufacturer should have its own warranty that you can use for getting the most out of your work. A warranty should last for about a year or two.

The warranty should also cover regular charges relating to the standard use of the battery. You might end up voiding the warranty if you are overly abusive on your battery or you try to modify it in some fashion.

Also, the warranty might be paired with a guarantee. This can include a 30 or 45-day guarantee where you can return the battery for a full refund if you are not satisfied with that model.

Size

The best trolling motor battery should be something that can fit well onto your boat and not add more pressure or issues than what you are comfortable with. But the size of your battery should be reviewed based on more than just weight.

The battery can be around six to twelve inches in size on its longest or widest parts. A battery needs enough room to hold all of its parts, but you might struggle to get the battery loaded up in the middle of a good mount.

You should check on how well the size of your battery is made while also finding a battery mount or other surface that can work well enough for keeping it in its place.

Some batteries might include their own mounting materials made specifically with their bodies in mind, but this feature is not always easy to find.

Noise Level

Be aware of the noise level that is produced by your battery. Most deep cycle batteries should work with very few vibrations and noises, thus ensuring it can work effectively.

When the noise level is low, it becomes easier for the battery to work while the fish in an area will not be at risk of running off.

Terminal Layout

Terminals for your battery should be made with strong metal materials. Some models might come with holes for securing wires onto them.

Others have cylindrical bodies for the same intention. The terminals should be easily labeled between positive and negative ones so the battery can be appropriately charged as needed.

Terminal Corrosion

A battery’s ability to keep its terminals clean and easy to maintain is vital. However, sometimes the terminals might develop corrosive materials. The corrosion on the terminals will keep them from working as well as usual.

The corrosive surfaces are caused by hydrogen gas being released from the battery’s acid. The overall connection between lead and copper around these spots can also produce some corrosive residues. These materials can be cleaned off when you mix water and baking soda over their surfaces.

The best trolling motor battery is always one that is fully cleaned off and is not going to bear any sudden issues that would keep it from having a full capacity.

Switch Features

Marine batteries typically do not have their own switches. The power that a battery produces will automatically move out to the devices that you are trying to power up on your boat.

But you can always get an outside switch ready if desired. An outside switch may attach to your battery and allow you to turn the battery on or off as desired. You can use this if you are trying to keep your battery from using more power than what you can afford to use at a moment.

Brands to Look At

The brands that you can utilize when getting a trolling motor battery include many choices that will help you keep your boat moving.

You can find batteries from many companies like Minn Kota, Universal Power Group, Interstate Batteries, Mighty Max, Optima, and VMAX among many others.

When finding a good provider, you have to find one that has a good reputation and a decent variety of products for sale.

Take a look at what a company does when seeing what its brand has to offer so you will not be surprised or at risk of getting into any issues when trying to find something of value.

Cost Point

The cost of your battery should relate to the overall power being produced by the battery. A 35 Ah battery can be found for around $60 to $120 in most cases. A 100 Ah battery can go for closer to $150 to $200.

Although such a battery is cheap to get when compared with the value of the boat itself, you should still make sure you spend a proper amount of money based on how powerful your battery is.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following section entails a series of questions you can use for figuring out what you can get out of your battery. Be sure to recognize many of the points that come with getting one of these batteries ready.

How can one of these batteries work?

A battery will work by allowing the positive and negative terminals inside the battery to read one another. The connection between the two ensures that enough ions move around to create a strong current.

Over time, the positive ions will move out to the negative pole to create the energy you need. This can work so long as there is enough of a charge inside the battery.

How can a battery be charged up?

A trolling motor battery can be quickly charged up through a traditional charging station. Depending on what you order, you might have to get a battery charged up by plugging it into the appropriate station that links to a power outlet.

This should help you with getting the battery charged up and ready to work again. But be advised that the battery might take a few hours to charge up, what with it requiring a sizeable amount of power for it to work accordingly.

Is it fine to keep the battery in a charged position after it has gotten a full charge?

Although some people like to do this with the belief that the battery might start discharging on its own after the power source is removed, this is actually dangerous.

Sulfide damage might develop on your battery if you leave it charged for far too long. This keeps the electrolytes inside your battery from working as well as they should. This causes the battery to lose power over time.

How much time should you spend cooling off the battery after each charge?

Give your battery a full day off to cool its body if possible after charging it. The heat that is created during the recharge and discharge systems can become intense.

Using the battery not long after all that heat was generated could potentially put the battery at risk of harm. Avoiding using the battery for a bit after you are done charging it is often the best thing to do in this case.

Why is the battery not working with enough power during its first few uses?

Your battery will work under its maximum capacity during the first few times that you use it. It may charge about 20 percent less than what it can handle at the most.

The plates inside the battery have not been fully formed or connected at the way at this point. This means that the battery might not work as effectively as it should. Make sure you review the battery after each use and that it is operating to your liking.

Can many types of batteries be mixed with one another?

You should never try to mix different types of batteries with each other at any time. Doing so may cause the battery you are using to wear out.

Not all kinds of batteries may be compatible with others. These include batteries based on size and brand among other vital points of value.

Can older batteries work next to new ones?

Always use new batteries when replacing them. You should not replace just one battery if you have several at a time.

All batteries should be replaced when getting new ones added no matter how many batteries you are getting rid of.

Can a battery work in most water conditions?

Many batteries can handle numerous types of water, but you must be cautious if you want to bring your boat out to a salt water space.

A battery needs a stainless steel and zinc base to ensure it will not be at risk of harm from salt water.

What does a deep cycle battery entail?

A deep cycle battery features a design that will be deeply discharged with much of its capacity utilized in the process. This is different from a starter battery that delivers short bursts of energy when getting an engine started up.

A deep cycle marine battery is not going to produce as much power as other traditional batteries would. This ensures that the battery will keep on working to your liking. Also, the battery will not produce as much noise, thus ensuring that the waters will stay calm.

Most of the trolling motor batteries you will come across are deep cycle batteries. Some can handle starter functions as well. Check on the features of any battery you wish to order to see how well it can handle energy.

How can you tell how much energy is left in your battery?

Some battery models come with LED displays or other lights that give you an approximate idea of how much power is left on your battery. You might want to bring a battery testing unit with you just in case so you can confirm the charge on the battery.

Such a tester requires you to secure clamps onto the battery terminals and then use a test charge on it. This gives you an idea of what you are getting off of your battery.

You also have the option to add a separate LED battery indicator to your unit. This can be attached to a terminal. It would then spend a few bits of time waiting to get information on how much power is left. This gives you a good idea of how much power is in your battery, but it might also be a rough estimate of what you can get from it.

How long will your battery work for before it dies out altogether?

A battery should work for about two years at the least before it dies off. Some batteries might last a little longer if they are not used too often or have not gone through as many cycles.

The overall lifetime of the battery will vary based on what you might use and how well it can work for your desires.

How much energy should be used in the battery before you have to turn it off all the way?

The best rule of thumb is to avoid discharging more than 80 percent of the battery’s content. Although you can allow the battery to charge it up even further, you might risk the battery not working properly due to the electrolytes becoming prematurely dry.

Keeping a small bit of power inside the battery before it can be recharged also ensures that you have enough of a base to work with as you start getting everything charged up again.

Is the total number of cold cranking amps on the battery going to make a real difference?

Cold-cranking amps are not all that vital in most cases because many of the batteries offered are designed with smaller motors in mind. In fact, a majority of battery companies do not actually list information on how many cold cranking amps are produced.

The point is that most of these batteries are made with enough amps to get the motor started up well enough the first time around. They are not necessarily made to work for larger vehicles or boats that would require more of these amps at a time to get them ready to work.

Are the terminals at risk of corroding?

All batteries could develop corrosion on their terminals regardless of what they are made of. Always review the terminals regularly to see if they have worn out. These might have to be cleaned off, but sometimes it might also show that the battery is wearing out and needs to be replaced altogether.

How can you clean off the outside body of one of these batteries?

To clean off any spills or even any corroded parts, use a mix of water and baking soda. This should produce a paste that can clear off even the most stubborn bits of your battery.

Can a trickle charger be used on a trolling motor battery?

You can use a trickle charger by linking its parts to a series of ports. This can keep the battery from fully discharging while in use. Be sure to remove the trickle charger after a while though. Leaving it on for too long can result in the battery possibly being damaged.

Is plastic okay for a battery’s body?

Plastic should be fine provided it is thick enough and engineered to handle the vibrations that will come about as you use your boat. The plastic should be light in weight and capable of fitting over the cells the right way.

How is the carry handle on one of these batteries made?

The carry handle on a battery should be made with a sturdy plastic material that will not bend or crack easily. But since these batteries are often twenty pounds in weight or greater, there is always the chance that a battery’s handle might break apart.

Although a battery should be made to handle vibrations, you might be better off carrying the battery from the bottom if you are able to.

What is the ideal temperature for use?

A trolling motor battery can work in many conditions, but it is best to use it from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit at a time if possible. Anything too hot or cold might make it harder for the battery to actually work to your liking.

Why is a battery only developing corrosion on one terminal but not the other?

Your battery might not be charging properly if you notice corrosion on just one terminal. When the corrosion is on the positive side of the battery, it means that the battery is overcharging itself. When the corrosion goes on the negative side, the battery is not charging well enough.

Can any motor battery work with any kind of bait?

You can use a trolling motor battery no matter what type of bait you will use. You should still choose that bait based on how powerful your motor is and that it is not going to be hard to utilize in any fashion.

Can a battery work for any type of motor?

Although many marine batteries are used for other needs, that does not mean that they are good enough for other items. Some marine batteries might not be powerful enough to get a larger RV motor ready.

Others could be too strong for a golf cart and might cause excess heat if handled improperly. For example, a battery used in trolling motors for pontoon boats may not fulfill your other types of needs.

The best thing to do is to avoid using your trolling motor battery on anything other than your boat. This is to prevent significant problems that might come along due to there being too much power on your boat at a given time.

Conclusion

Having a battery is essential in that it does more than just ensure that your body can stay propelled and ready to move forward. It also makes it so your boat will stay active and ready to move. You need a great battery so you will not be at risk of getting stranded in the middle of the water because you ran out of power.

You must know what you are getting out of a trolling motor battery if you want to get out on the water and enjoy everything it has to offer. A useful battery will last for a while and can power up your boat motor with ease. But it must also be built to last and should handle the water conditions you enter into.

Whatever the case may be, the battery you order has to be designed to be easy to handle without being overly rough. You should not have to worry about far too much maintenance when getting it ready and safe. When used right, you will get more out of a quality battery that is strikingly helpful and ideal for your boating demands.

Do you ever get annoyed when you go fishing and catch nothing? This Garmin Echomap chirp 74cv review will bring you a good solution. The fact that you waited for hours for a single bite, but only could come home feeling embarrassed about not catching a single fish is disappointing. Must the most humiliating part is that your friends and family are hoping to have some salmons or trouts.

Luckily, with the Garmin Echomap chirp 74cv, it can provide an accurate sonographic image of when a fish will arrive. This state of the art technology showcase activities that are deep within the ocean and Lake. That way, you get a glimpse of when and where the fish are swimming. If you notice that the lake is empty, then you can pick up your bags and relocate to another area to fish.

Once you see an ample amount of fish, you can stay in that area and rest sure that you will catch something. This amazing technology is easy to install and includes a transducer for high-quality sonar to scan the underwater. It has a quick draw contour software to create an HD map of a fish.

The internal GPS updates your position and heading five times per second. It will engineer data, sensors, links, and an auto system for you. It also has a cord that is plugged directly into the mount, which allows you to quickly install and remove your device from the power and mount.

This amazing device makes an excellent gift for anyone who loves the great outdoors and fishing.

Features Noticed In Garmin Echomap Chirp 74cv Review 

• Clear scanning sonar to show you what’s going on underwater. The high-frequency sonar can provide a photographic image with a detailed representation of the fish.
• The chirp sonar can send a sweep of frequency to provide a wide range of information. They can create a crisper fish arch with more efficient target separation.
• Preload blue charger to charge for coastal US usage.
• Clear scanning sonar with TV series and built-in 500 W chirp traditional sonar. The SV series can offer similar features plus the chirp sonar.
• Internal built-in GPS to update the position and heading five times per second.

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Advantages

• The Garmin Echomap chirp 74cv has one of the most sophisticated sonar technology for fishing and boating. This sonar provides a clear target separation by putting more energy into the target fish than any traditional sonar. This will create a clear and crisper image of your prey.
• A clear skin sonar image will provide you with a photographic image of what is going on below your boat.
• The pre-load blue charge can cover the coast of the US which encompasses the East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, west coast, and the Canadian side of the Great Lakes. It also provides a thorough navigational guide of your surroundings.
• You can also create your own personalized fishing map with the quick draw contour. You basically tailor them to fit your specific needs. After creating the map, you can keep the data or share it with the quick draw community on Garmin connect.
• You can get connected with an active captain app to allow you to manage your boating and fishing experience anywhere you go. It creates a simple and powerful connection between your mobile device and your chart plotter, map, charts, and community. Use this build in combination with excellent Wi-Fi to access all your data. It allows you to purchase, or download the charts. You can also get smart notifications, details, data, and much more.
• The sail assists features provide an enhanced wind rose, lay lines, course over the ground line, and heading. It will show you the wind angle and speed so you get a glance at what’s going on. This will help you gain a competitive edge on the weather and guidance to show you the starting line along the data field.
• When you are off the water, and onto the land, you can take your Echomap anywhere with you. There are no messy wires or plug-ins that you have to deal with because the cords are plugged directly into the mount. This way, you can quickly install and remove your echo map.

Disadvantages

• The issue that we have found in the Garmin Echomap chirp 74cv review is the charting. There are some inaccuracies in the charts. Customers are complaining that there are situations in cases where the charts have failed them. For example, there was an incident where a consumer was 45 feet deep in water, but the chart has shown that it was 78 feet, however, this has hit bottom with the fishfinder, which showed an island at 38 feet.
• The second time, the chart showed an elevation of 128 feet deep, but the fishfinder revealed 73 feet, Which is highly inaccurate. If anything, the fishfinder is more accurate than the charts.

For more accuracy have a look at our post about the best GPS fish finder combo review and buying guide. Hope that will meet your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what type of maps to select?

It depends on where you are and what you are going to do. The built-in maps are pretty good for a regular general day of boating in areas that don’t have a lot of hidden fish or objects.

If you are in areas with a lot of objects such as oysters bed, then you might consider a blue water chart. Either way, the satellite graphics are amazing especially if you are not familiar with the area.

Are the charts preloaded?

Yes, they are preloaded with the blue charging to the customized map.

What is the screen size

7”

Can you save points or routes?

Yes, you can save the points/routes. They usually see it on the plotter and can be exported if you want them to.

What is the size of the Garmin Echomap chirp 74cv?

74CV has about a 7-inch diagonal display.

How long is the transducer cable?

About 10”-12”

What is the maximum depth that you can handle?

800 Saltwater

Does it come with mounting brackets?

It only has the bracket to hold the device that can attach to the boat.

What Are Customers Saying About The Product?

Customers are giving this product a five-star review. This is mainly because the manufacturer has continuously delivered the product on time and without any problems. Another thing is that the high tech screen and sonar does a great job of showing a clear picture of the underwater. This can be very useful for the majority of the customers who love to boat and fish.

People are raving about the alarm, charts, and how accurate it is in marking the fish. It covers a wide range of areas so you can use it at any lakes and ocean. Plus, the Garmin brand has always created high-quality products so customers find that it is a reliable technology for their fishing adventures.

Overall, there are plenty of five stars reviews. The only issue is that people have is that the charting might be a little bit off or inaccurate, but it still provides an excellent approximation. Overall, everything else was amazing and well-crafted.

Garmin Community

There’s also an active community in the Garmin area. You can create personalized maps and charts to share and critique with other Garmin communities. You can share and discuss ideas to sharpen your techniques and usage of the equipment. That way, you can be a better fisherman or boater in the future.

The only problem is that people often complain about the charts. Even though it provides an accurate representation, but there are times that the approximation is a little bit off. However, technology is not perfect, and there are times that errors and issues could happen.

Also, because of the many features, it does take a while to load, so there might be some patients involved. Overall, it is a must-have for any fisherman.

Conclusion

The Garmin Echomap chirp 74cv makes an excellent gift for any fisherman or boater. It contains state of the art technology to capture an accurate representation of what goes on under the lake or ocean. The charts and maps provide an excellent reading of the targeted location.

The built-in GPS can locate where you are and show potential targets around you. The sonar is very high tech and advanced to the point where it can provide photographic images of fishes or any underwater dwellers.

That way, you will never have to guess if there are plenty of fish in the sea or none at all. With this technology, you will never have to come home empty-handed again.

If you are not good at installing anything, this might be the tool for you. It’s easy to install with a convenient instruction manual that you can follow. It is also easy to use so you will not have to suffer any headaches of figuring things out.

Plus, you don’t have to deal with messy wires or plugs because the cords are plugged directly onto the mount. That way, it can help you to quickly install your echo map.

With all these benefits and features observed in the Garmin Echomap chirp 74cv review, it’s no wonder why every fisherman loves this super machine.

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Whether you are a first-time boat owner, operator, or passenger, before setting sail from the dock, you need to have basic boating safety knowledge. Our boating safety tips will provide you with that particular knowledge.

Why it’s so important? For starters, it helps to ensure that you (boat operator or owner) and your passengers remain safe when in open waters. Secondly, having basic boating safety knowledge helps to ensure that you are able to handle any emergency when on the boat. Lastly, as the boat owner or operator, you will be operating within the law.

Basic boating safety knowledge equips you with the necessary knowledge pertaining to safety equipment, alcohol use, and navigation. By increasing safety boating knowledge among recreational and professional boat users, the waterways will be safer for everyone.

Want to know more? Here are the top six boating safety tips:

Top Boating Safety Tips You Need To Know About

(1) Crew And Passengers Should Always Wear A Life Jacket

Life jackets are designed to prevent you from drowning in case you fell overboard when in a boat yet many people go thinking they are safe. What you need to know is that the first life jackets were made of cork but thanks to improved design and technology, inflatable life jackets were made. They were less bulky and much lighter thus effective in their work.

Today, life jackets are vital safety equipment that should be present in a canoe, kayak, fishing boat, or yacht. There are several reasons why you should wear an appropriate life jacket. They include:

• Keeping you alive
• Keeping you warm when in the water
• Helps to turn your body in the right position

Before putting on a life jacket, there are a few things you need to know:

l Test the life jacket to ensure that it fits snugly to your body. To do so, zip the life jacket fully plus the straps. A loose life jacket defeats the purpose of safety.

l Make sure that it’s visible to others. Available colors include yellow, lime green, and orange. The bright color makes it easy for you to be noticed from the air or water by other boats.

l Avoid taking off the life jacket even when it’s too hot. You never know when an emergency may occur.

l Always inspect the life jacket before putting it on. Inspect it for signs of excessive wear. Start by checking the webbing and stitching. If any part of the stitching is loose, opt for another one. By ensuring that the life jacket is in serviceable condition, your safety will be assured when on the boat.

In short, choose and wear adequate boat shoes, life jackets, good clothing, helmets, etc. to remain safe.

(2) Don’t Mix Boating With Alcohol

Alcohol remains one of the largest contributors to fatal boat accidents. According to the US Coast Guard, 15% of deaths that happen as a result of boating accidents are brought about by alcohol use. It was also found out that 77% of deaths occurred as a result of lack of boating safety instruction among the boat operators.

That is not all. 13% of deaths occurred where the boat operator did not have a nationally approved boating safety education certificate.

Think about it. If the boat operators had received their boating safety instruction and education training, they would have been aware of the fact that boating and alcohol don’t mix. Want to know how alcohol affects boat operators?

For starters, balance on a boat is very crucial. If the boat is not steady, chances are passengers and the crew may fall overboard. This may result in drowning if no one has a life jacket on.

Secondly, alcohol impairs one’s judgment. It achieves this by reducing the operator’s inhibitions resulting in one performing stunts instead of operating the boat safely.

Lastly, it slows the reaction time of the boat operator. Alcohol has been found to diminish one’s ability to react effectively when faced with danger. For instance, it may be difficult for you to make the right call when it comes to distance.

For objects that are far away from a normal person, they may appear very close to a drunken boat operator. By the time the boat operator realizes, it will too late. In addition, it lowers one’s night vision making it difficult for boat operators to differentiate between red and green.

To prevent all the above issues, avoid alcohol before and when on the boat.

(3) Test The Radio Communication Equipment

Before setting sail, it is important to take time and ensure that your radio equipment works. Whether it’s a VHF marine radio, an MF/HF radiotelephone, or mobile satellite telephone, you need to ensure its working before setting sail. Why?

• Allows you to monitor distress frequencies
• Enables you to contact other ships
• Allows you to contact shore-based stations in order to coordinate a rescue
• Keeps you up-to-date with navigational safety warnings and weather-related information

The first thing you need to do is perform the standard voltage test. Start by checking for any voltage drop. This has the potential of robbing your VHF radio equipment of performance. Use a voltmeter for this test. The modern high-quality marine stereos also could be useful for communication.

Next, test the performance of the antenna. Starts by checking for any cracks which have been found to promote water intrusion. Check for crushed sections or sharp bends since they can lower transmission power.

Perform a radio check with the closest base station or boat. For this to be effective, position your boat a reasonable distance from the other boat or base station. During this test, check for the radio’s three operating functions namely:

• Reception
• Transmission
• Modulation

Avoid requesting radio checks on Channel 16.

To select the best marine VHF radio suitable for your particular vessel, have a look at our post.

(4) Take Your Passengers Through All Safety Procedures

If your passengers were asked to point out where the fire extinguishers are located or how they can evacuate the boat safely in case of an emergency, they would probably give you a clueless look. Why? A vast majority of boat passengers’ especially first-timers don’t know anything about boat safety. All they are looking forward to is a great experience since the weather is clear and bright.

The first thing your boat passengers should be educated on is how to use a life jacket. They should know how to zip the jacket and cinch the straps. Don’t forget to teach them how to inspect a life jacket properly.

Next, you should inform them where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them. This will come in handy in case of a fire. If the boat is large as a cruise ship, have the fire extinguishers positioned along the passageways. You should also have a floor map detailing how the passageways are interconnected.

Teach your boat passengers the proper procedure of evacuating the boat in case there is an emergency. Even though the odds of being trapped on a boat are minimal thanks to improved technology and safety measures, the knowledge will come in handy later.

If you have a dog onboard, use life jackets for dogs. Also, try to keep a dog water ramp keeping in mind the ease of evacuation.

(5) Monitor The Weather Forecast

Keeping an eye on the weather forecast before setting sail from the dock is very important. Weather changes rapidly when on water. Unlike on land where you might find shelter in a building, on water, you are exposed to the giant rolling waves crashing on the side of the boat.

To be in the know, check your local weather reports. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration experts work round the clock to collect data and relay it to boat operators and others. As a boat operator, tune in to your VHF FM radio or your TV. You also have the option of checking on weather reports online.

Doing so will ensure that you know what lies ahead for the next few hours. If the weather appears to be severe or the experts have predicted changes within the next few hours, as the boat operator, it’s your responsibility to ensure the safety of the boat, crew, and passengers.

Here are the four signs that NOAA uses to advise boat operators on the weather.

• Small craft advisory – meant to warn small boat users of winds of at least 18 knots plus rough wavy sea conditions
• Gale warning – warns you of strong winds ranging between 34 to 47 knots (39 -54 mph)
• Storm warning – warns you of winds ranging between 48 to 63 knots
• Hurricane warning – warns you of hurricane winds above 64 knots

Also, check for the following signs before sailing:

• Dark clouds, lightning, and fog
• Falling barometer
• Changes in wind direction and temperature
• A noticeable halo around the moon or sun
• Puffy rising clouds

(6) Get A Vessel Safety Check

The US Coast Guard provides a Vessel Safety Check at no cost. They ( US Coast Guard Auxiliary staffers) usually perform this check to determine how safe the boat is.

The check starts with the boat registration number which should be permanently attached to each side of the forward half. The characters must be in plain, vertical, and block style letters. Also, the letters should be 3 inches high and in a color, that contrasts with the color of the boat. A hyphen should separate the letters from numbers.

The next check is performed on the registration documents of the boat followed by the personal floatation devices such as life jackets. Each life jacket is checked for impact rating. The boat should have both adult and child-size life jackets.

Fire extinguishers are next. Where should we store the fire extinguishers on a boat? They should be available to resolve any condition in the following areas – inboard engines, closed living space, permanently installed fuel tanks, closed stowage compartments, and double bottom hulls.

Other sections of the boat that fall under the vessel safety check include ventilation, backfire flame arrester, navigation lights, marine sanitation device, navigation rules, state and local requirements among others.

Having a free vessel safety check carried out on your boat helps to ensure peace of mind that your boat meets all federal safety standards.

In addition, it helps to ensure that your boat is equipped with safety equipment that comes in hand during an emergency. Once your boat has passed the safety check, you will be awarded a decal. What you ought to know is that the safety check expires every year on December 31st.

You can get a free Vessel Safety Check for your personal boat by the US coast guard auxiliary.

Conclusion

Remember boating safety is your safety. Sometimes we don’t care about a small thing but it can appear as a bigger problem in a different situation. So, check everything before going out and have fun with the family, friends, and mates.

For example, if you are in a sailboat you must remember to keep a proper sailing knife for your safety and for any emergency. We must be well-educated boaters and keep an eye on the navigation buoys and markers and signals.  You can make a small checklist for your particular cases. Hope our boating safety tips will help you to check the most important points.

Have you ever been out on the water but were unable to communicate with other people for whatever reason? Having the best marine VHF radio on hand for your use can make a world of difference. You might have been concerned because you were unable to reach people all the way out in the middle of the water.

A marine VHF radio works with Very High Frequencies. These radio waves are from the 30 to 300 MHz range and are typically used for television and broadcast radio purposes. The sounds produced are a little clearer, what with the VHF signals offering more support for added information.

You can get this to work well for when you are trying to communicate with people in the event of an emergency. You can also use this to get in touch with authorities for any other kind of help or even to communicate with people on land. The radio community is so large that it will be very easy for you to get more out of any chats you want to get into. This is an attractive point that you are bound to love taking advantage of.

What is the right marine VHF radio for your use?

You have to be fully aware of what you can do when getting your radio up and running. After all, you will need to use this if you want to communicate with someone in the event of an emergency or other significant threat.

As this guide shows, you can find the best marine VHF radio for your use by looking at a few points that are not too hard to follow. Using the correct considerations can make a world of difference as you look for something that helps you to get in touch with someone. It is always good to see how well such a setup is organized and that there are no problems with what might come about.

This guide focuses on both of the main types of marine VHF radios you can use. You can work with a traditional handheld option that works with a battery that you can recharge on your own. You can also work with a set-top box that has a longer range and is fixed within a certain spot in your boat. No matter what you choose, you should look at how you are going to use it and that you have a good plan on hand for making your marine VHF radio work for your demands.

Comparison Table For The Best Marine VHF Radio

Model	Output (in watts)	VHF Frequency Range (in MHz)	Typical Battery Life (in hours)	Check On Amazon
BaoFeng BF-F8HP	1, 4 or 8	136-174	18 to 24	Check On Amazon
Cobra MRHH125	1 or 3	Not available	At least 24	Check On Amazon
BTECH UV-5X3	1, 4, or 5	130-179.99	18 to 24	Check On Amazon
BaoFeng UV-5R5	1 or 4	136-174	12	Check On Amazon
Uniden Atlantis 270	1, 2.5, or 6	N/A	10	Check On Amazon
Standard Horizon GX1700W	25	130-179.99	Works off of the boat’s power	Check On Amazon
Uniden MHS75	1, 2.5 or 5	136-174	12	Check On Amazon
Uniden UM380	25	130-179.99	Works off of the boat’s power	Check On Amazon
Cobra Electronics MR F45-D	1 or 25	136-174	Works off of the boat’s power	Check On Amazon
Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld VHF	1, 2, or 6	N/A	11	Check On Amazon
Icom M330G 31 Compact Basic VHF with GPS	1/25	N/A	Works off of the boat’s power	Check On Amazon

Quick Answer: Which is The Best Marine VHF Radio?

Our quick answer is BaoFeng BF-F8HP VHF marine radio. You have to look at a few great options for when you want to find a good marine VHF radio. There are many popular choices that can be worthwhile and should be explored in a sensible way.

Be advised though that each of the options you can work with is all varied items based on many factors and should be explored in careful detail.

Here is our list:

1. BaoFeng BF-F8HP
2. Cobra MRHH125
3. BTECH UV-5X3
4. BaoFeng UV-5R5
5. Uniden Atlantis 270
6. Standard Horizon GX1700W
7. Uniden MHS75
8. Uniden UM380
9. Cobra Electronics MR F45-D
10. Standard Horizon HX890 Black Handheld VHF

BaoFeng BF-F8HP

The first option to see for the best marine VHF radio is the BaoFeng BF-F8HP. This is a VHF and UHF-enabled model, thus making it a dual-band choice. It uses three separate power levels and a battery that can last for at least 18 hours depending on how you use this.

This uses a high gain 7-inch antenna that provides you with twice the performance of a typical model. You can also choose a narrow band if you need to reach smaller areas.

The button layout lets you adjust the frequency on the radio. This also gives you a digital readout to help you see what frequency you are using. You can quickly shift from one frequency to the next when you get this organized well enough.

The unit also gives you a powerful microphone with noise-canceling features. This works well for keeping your voice in control without causing it to break apart when you are communicating with someone. But you should still watch for how well you speak into the microphone and that you are courteous without being too aggressive while speaking.

Pros

• Offers a clear sound
• The antenna offers a sizeable range
• The battery does not need to be charged often
• Works well on low and high power settings alike; choose your setting based on how far out you might be from others

Cons

• The display is tough to figure out at times
• Buttons are rather small in size
• The antenna could stand to be a little longer; BaoFeng does offer extensions

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Cobra MRHH125 3-Watt Waterproof

Another good choice among the marine VHF radio options, this model from Cobra has a versatile layout. It uses one and three-watt setups with ease. It can also reach NOAA and weather stations while linking up to various channels. It uses individual settings for American and Canadian VHF channels as well as some international channels.

The LCD screen offers a clear display. It shows the channel you are on. It also offers a backlit feature.

Cobra recommends this VHF radio as a choice for small vessels. It is also suitable for larger boats as a backup material for when the power in space runs out.

You can even select a beep tone on the unit if desired. This can be turned on or off. You can use this to let you know when any messages you are trying to transmit have been received.

A weather alert system is also included as it reads NOAA signals. It can create a tone when a weather emergency or threat is coming into a spot.

Pros

• Lets you scan channels to find conversations as they are going along
• Easy to switch from one wattage level to another
• Comes with a useful microphone jack for helping you get transmissions handled
• Noise-canceling microphone keeps background noise from being a threat

Cons

• Works with a shorter transmission range
• Intended as a backup if you have a larger boat
• Can handle water splashes but does not do well when submerged

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BTECH UV-5X3

This is a tri-band radio that works with not only VHF and UHF signals but also with Ham radio signals for getting in touch with amateur radio users. The Ham radio support makes it so you can reach people even when signals from other traditional radio towers are not working.

You can save multiple channels on your radio as pre-sets. These can be programmed through a button on the side of the radio unit.

This uses support for up to five watts of power at a time. It can also work with an extended variety of VHF frequencies with the ability to divide up those frequencies by 0.01 MHz at a time. You can use this to figure out the power you are using at a given time, thus giving you more control over how well you are interacting with someone.

This also uses a noise-canceling feature on the microphone. This helps you with getting in touch with people in a crystal clear fashion and is very easy to work in any situation.

Pros

• Works with many frequency steps
• Can handle a variety of power setups
• The simple display tells you what frequency you are working with at a time
• Weighs about eight ounces

Cons

• The attachable antenna might be too flexible
• Takes a bit for the rechargeable battery to power up all the way
• Takes a while for you to scan the entire network

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BaoFeng UV-5R5

It is often frustrating to try and go through the entire range of frequencies that you want to look through when finding signals. The BaoFeng UV-5R5 works in that you can set a series of parameters for the radio signals you want to search through at a time. You can do this to zero in on a specific series of frequencies you want to reach. As you use this, you can get up to 128 channels programmed.

You can also search for frequencies within 0.025 MHz at a time. This is good for finding precise and very specific signals depending on where you are going.

This all works with a 12-hour battery that can be recharged with a simple desktop charger. It can get everything charged up in just a few moments.

Pros

• Works with extremely precise readouts
• The LED flashlight makes it easier for you to find things outside
• Fits well into a shirt pocket
• Displays two separate frequencies based on the settings being used

Cons

• Buttons are rather small in size
• The antenna can wear out quickly in rough weather conditions

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Uniden Atlantis 270

Uniden Atlantis 270 VHF marine radio is pre-programmed with all NOAA weather channels. It works easily with all USA/Canada or international marine channels. This two way, small, handheld, floating marine VHF radio is made to maintain submergible waterproof standards. The display is clear and easy to handle at night or daytime. The display size is 18mm by 37 mm.

This Super marine radio resists 30 minutes without a problem up to 1 meter of water. If it is in the water, just clean and shake the radio to reuse. If the radio is submerged in the salt-water, clean it with fresh water and dry it before using it again.

Pros:

• NOAA weather channels
• Meets IPX7 & JIS7 submersible waterproof standards
• Easy to use backlit LCD display
• Power boost key
• AC/DC adapters are included
• The radio comes with a charging cradle.
• Different 1 / 2.5 / 6 watts emit power can be selected.

Cons:

• The charger is not waterproof

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Standard Horizon GX1700W

Standard Horizon made this model as a choice that makes it easy for you to communicate with others. This offers a set-top design that lets you communicate with other people from a box that links off of your boat’s engine power.

The three-inch LCD screen offers a nice layout that makes it easier for you to find a frequency and to keep things tuned well enough. The knobs on this model let you switch from one setting to the next. You can save individual frequencies by pressing the appropriate knobs.

The handheld unit that you would talk into features, a series of buttons that makes it easier for you to communicate with people. You can press the button on it to talk to others.

A few control buttons are also used to help you tune from one channel to the next. The bright red button also lets you get to the 9 or 16 channel for you to get in touch with an emergency channel immediately if necessary.

One point about this model that makes it a little different from other radios is that it comes with GPS support. You can press the GPS button on the top left part of the unit to activate the GPS readout.

This then lists information on the surroundings in your area. The simple design also lets you save different waypoints as necessary, thus letting you keep tabs on where you are going while on the water.

This even provides approximate totals for how far you are from some of the waypoints as you move along the water.

Pros

• Works with more power than other models
• The convenient case does not let in water
• Supports up to a hundred GPS waypoints

Cons

• Does not have a backup battery
• Requires an extensive amount of effort for getting it installed properly

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Uniden MHS75

Another great choice for your use is the Uniden MHS75. This offers a fully submersible body that can float on water. It also works with a battery that runs for about twelve hours at a time on a full charge.

The VHF band supports up to a hundred locations in its internal memory. The arrow buttons let you switch from one location to the next.

You can monitor two Coast Guard channels at a time. These include channels for hailing for assistance and another one for distress signals. You can also get access to weather channels in your local area. The radio can be programmed to give you alerts for cases where there is a weather emergency about to come about in an area.

The 1, 2.5, and 5-watt systems on this let you adjust the power on the unit to let you get in touch with people within certain ranges. The setup also makes it easier for you to adjust the wattage being used. Of course, this feature works primarily for helping you to adjust the amount of battery power being used at a given time.

Pros

• Battery recharges fast
• Backlit display makes reading what is on the radio very easy to do
• Channel scanning feature can save individual channels so you don’t have to scan many times over
• Works with all American, Canadian, and international marine channels

Cons

• Not many controls on the unit itself
• The battery does not last as long as what you might find on some other models

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Uniden UM380

This is also a model from Uniden that can work well for your communication requirements. This is a set-top unit that you can add to the power supply on your boat.

A GPS feature is also included in this unit. This lets you know what the specific GPS coordinates of your boat are. This is useful if you have to send out a distress signal and you need to get people to know where your boat is located.

The Digital Selective Calling feature lets you press a single button to send out for help during an emergency. You can use this to send out information on your boat’s position based on what the GPS readout shows.

The SAME Weather Alert system is another popular part of this model. When a weather emergency comes about, you will get a code based on your location to let you know what emergency issues are coming and how far it is from you. This should give you enough time for planning when you are going to get out of a spot.

Pros

• Compact body fits in well on most parts of your deck
• You can assign names to individual marine channels
• 3.5mm audio jack lets you plug an outside speaker into the unit’s body

Cons

• The handheld part of the unit does not have as many buttons to work with
• GPS data does not offer a graphic layout

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Cobra Electronics MR F45-D

This next option is another fixed-mount model. It works with 25 watts of power and uses all major international channels. It also comes with a DSC audio log that captures information on all the signals you get in touch with plus whoever might attempt to get in touch with you. You can set presets for those channels for when you are trying to reach other people in a spot.

The GPS support helps you to quickly find your coordinates. You can also work with one of ten different NOAA weather channels while collecting weather alerts automatically. The unit responds to such emergencies quickly.

The receiver unit that you talk into comes with buttons that work for reaching emergency channels plus buttons to let you go from one channel or preset to the next. The clear body also comes with a sound canceling setup to ensure you can quickly let people know about things that are happening where you are.

In addition to the 25-watt power setup, you can also work with a 1-watt layout if you are trying to talk to someone a little closer. The layout zeroes in on the setup to ensure it is not hard for you to communicate with someone.

Pros

• Comes with the external speaker jack
• Noise cancellation helps you transmit your messages with ease
• The simple layout can be tilted up or down

Cons

• Needs extensive installation in your boat for it to work
• Takes a bit to switch from the 1-watt to 25-watt layouts

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Standard Horizon HX890 Black Handheld VHF Radio Review

The last option to take a look at is another handheld model that you would love to use in your boat. This Standard Horizon model has a W 2.6 x H 5.43 x D 1.5 inches dimension. It comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, battery tray, charger, adapter, battery cradle, cable for pc programming, etc.

This waterproof model comes with submersible and floating capacity. It has a loud audio system and it can cancel unwanted noise. It transmits output in 6, 2, or 1 watt.

A built-in GPS receiver, NOAA weather channels with alerts, man overboard attribute, etc make this unit a military standard device.

Pros

• The model is waterproof and comes with a three years waterproof warranty
• We can easily use it during the day time or at night changing the day or night mode
• FM broadcast band receiver makes the device more complete
• The unit delivers loud and clear sound
• It can be used for 11 hours without charging the lithium-ion battery

Cons

• We can charge this VHF radio only on the charging cradle.

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Buying Guide

There are many points relating to the best marine VHF radio for your use that you have to look at. These are vital points that show how well a radio can work and what makes it different for your needs. These are all good points to see regardless of whether your unit comes with a fixed setup layout or a handheld layout.

Wattage

The total wattage on your VHF radio refers to how far you can get your signals out. About one watt should equal a little less than one nautical mile of range. A single nautical mile is equal to about 1.15 miles.

When you have more wattage, it becomes easier for you to reach people. Many radio models let you adjust the wattage based on the need you have for it. You can use a lower wattage when you are close to other people, for instance. This is vital considering how the radio will use more battery power if the wattage is turned up by a bit.

Display

A basic display will be found on your radio. This should give you a digital readout of your frequencies, channels, and other features. It should also come with a battery gauge to let you know how much power is left.

It can also give you details on your GPS location if necessary. Some VHF radios come with more detailed layouts that offer graphic reviews of what is in a spot, but it is not all that easy for you to find a graphic display in some cases. Be aware of this when getting a good radio layout to work for you.

Squelch

You might notice that there are two knobs on many of the marine VHF radio models. The first is a volume knob while the second is a squelch knob.

The squelch works to stop the receiver from taking in output if the signal strength is too weak. That is, you will keep from hearing things off of radio signals that are not producing enough information.

You can use this to ensure you only get communications from those who are near you and are easy to get a good hold of.

The intensity of the squelch knob can determine the threshold that you are working with when adjusting how well the sounds are being managed. You can use this to quickly tune out the weakest channels that might make it harder for you to hear what you are really trying to get access to.

The risk of signals bleeding over one another will be reduced. You also have the option to keep the squelch level down so you can try and find a far off frequency that you might want to get a little closer to.

Be advised that the squelch knob is more likely to be found on set-top boxes than on some of the more traditional options you can come across including the handheld options available.

Ease of Handling

It should be very easy for you to hold onto your VHF radio. A good radio can come with an ergonomic body that fits in your left or right hand alike. Some models even come with belt clips to help you hold onto something. Don’t forget to look at the nice buttons on the radio to see how well it works.

You should also look at how well you can program many channels onto your radio. Some of the buttons on the radio will let you move from one channel to the next after you have gotten it all prepared right. Make sure you look carefully at how well this works so you will get more out of your work.

Range

The range on your antenna is important, but it is even more important to look at the intervals that you can work with. A quality radio can handle a range that works with multiple signals at a time.

It can also work with very small intervals of 0.025 MHz in some cases, thus giving you a more precise measurement for getting the most accurate layout possible.

Waterproof

You would have to look carefully at how well a marine VHF radio can handle water. The marine VHF radio you can use should be fully waterproof in that it can continue working even if you drop it in the water off of your boat. A unit should also float well on the water.

Fortunately, most marine VHF radios are light in weight to where they will carefully float on the water if you drop it. This makes it easier for you to retrieve it in the event you accidentally drop it.

You will typically come across one of three measurements when finding a waterproof VHF radio:

1. Submersible – This can be submerged in water and will handle most conditions. However, it might not work well when you get it in touch with water jets.
2. IPX7 – The device will keep working even if you drop it in water. However, it might stop working if the unit goes deeper than three feet into the water.
3. IPX8 – This is the best measurement in that it can handle water deeper than three feet.

GPS Receiver Functionality

Some of the more useful marine VHF radio models out there come with GPS functionality. This works in emergencies when you need help with finding your location.

A screen would list information on your coordinates at this point. It is useful, but it should be something that you can turn on and off on your own. This feature can use more power than what you might be comfortable with. People who love marine activities may find interesting our post about the best fish finder GPS combo.

Antenna

The antenna should be tall enough to give you enough coverage while making it easier for your transmissions to be sent out.

The antenna can stick out by a few inches at a time and should be rigid so it will not be harder for you to utilize. It must also be fully covered so it will not wear out or have any of its parts exposed.

Handheld or Fixed Mount?

You typically have one of two options to work with when finding the correct marine VHF radio. You can get a handheld design that can be carried around and will not need any external power for it to work. This could work even when the rest of the power on your boat goes out, thus making it vital in the event of such an emergency.

You can also work with a fixed mount model. This would work with more power at a time, thus making it easier for you to reach further distances. But this would also work alongside any power source that your boat might run off of.

Having a backup battery on a fixed mount radio is best so you at least have a bit of power to work in the event that the power on your boat runs out. Be advised though that the battery backup feature on one of these models might be rather minimal based on how much time it can work for.

Battery Life

The battery life of a marine VHF radio can vary based on what you use. You will not be able to get any traditional batteries added or replaced inside your VHF radio.

Rather, the VHF radio will work with a battery that is built-in and has to be charged up. Some models can last for fifteen hours at a time or more. Check on how well your battery can work before using the radio.

Make sure you conserve your energy when using the battery as well; you do not want to use more unnecessary features to the point where the unit will stop working prematurely.

Speaking of charging units, you might come across one of many options for charging your battery. You might have the ability to link a radio up to a 12V DC outlet like what you might find in your automobile.

You can also find some desktop charging units where you would place the radio into the outlet to let it charge up for a bit of time.

Weight

Most marine VHF radios are made with lighter weights that are around eight to twelve ounces in size. Some larger units might come with more features and more powerful antennas.

Heavier choices might use more energy and will have shorter battery lifespans as well.

Presets

The odds are you will come across a few channels that you will want to get back to when you are communicating with people through your VHF radio.

A model needs to work with plenty of presets where you can get in touch with people at certain frequencies. Some models let you associate certain presets with particular channel numbers, but the functionality will vary. Also, you should be able to handle dozens of locations at a time.

Weather Alerts

It always helps to get the proper weather alerts from a marine VHF radio in the event there are issues outdoors. A weather alert feature should work by letting you know when the NOAA sends out a warning signal.

The NOAA will send a trigger out within its messages to let such radios know that a particular emergency is about to come along. You can use this to learn about tornados, thunderstorms, or other significant emergencies that might come about.

You should watch for how well the SAME or Specific Area Message Encoding features on your radio work though. The SAME system analyzes the location of the emergency or other messages.

This ensures that you only receive messages that are relevant to your local area. You will not get any messages that are only good for people within certain regions that might a little further off from where you are located.

Frequently Asked Questions

How well should an antenna on a marine VHF radio be positioned?

You must keep the antenna on your radio as high up as possible. The VHF waves produced work on a line-of-sight pattern. This means that the signals are not going to flow alongside the earth’s natural curves. When the antenna is a little higher up, it becomes easier for you to get your signals out a little further.

How would the GPS feature on your radio work?

The GPS feature would focus on identifying your physical location based on the specific geometric coordinates that are read by the satellites that make up the GPS layout.

You can use this to let people know where you are in the event of an emergency. When you send out a distress signal, a person will identify your location and get help out to the appropriate space. This ensures you are properly served as soon as possible.

How can you use DSC?

Digital Selective Calling, or DSC, is a feature that works on many of the marine VHF radio models around. This lets you list information on who you are and your location.

This works if you have registered for the DSC system and if your radio can actually handle the process. A nine-digit MMSI number must be used so you can get information on your vessel out to a larger database.

You can go online to get your number ready and to have it linked up to the proper boat that you are using. It is best to get this working quickly so it is not too hard to make it all work outright.

How is the battery power measured on your radio?

The battery power that is listed on your radio relates to a certain number of hours that the radio can work for.

However, this is based on a 90/5/5 ratio. 90 percent of the radio’s usage will be on standby where it is on but not receiving anything. 5 percent is for messages that you are receiving while the other 5 percent is for messages you are sending out.

What channels can you use in your local area?

One reason why many people use marine VHF radios comes from how they can handle many channels. You can use one channel to ask for someone to open a bridge for you if there is one in the way of your boat.

Meanwhile, other channels might be used in an area for different communication needs. You would have to go online to find information on the specific channels that are used in your local area. This gives you an idea of how well communication standards are utilized in a certain space.

You can use channels 67, 68, 69, and 72 when you are trying to chat with others who are using their vessels for recreational use. These channels are recommended as they will not get in the way of any informational, commercial, or emergency channels. The adequate marine VHF radio will make it easier for you to tune in to one of these channels quickly.

How can you use one of these radios in the event of an emergency?

You can get a radio set up to channel 9 or 16 in the event of an emergency. Some radio models let you immediately switch to one of these two channels for emergency purposes. This assists you by producing a clear and easy to follow layout for handling a call.

Channel 16 may also be used if you are trying to get in contact with someone. However, you would have to move to another working frequency after you get in touch with someone from that setup.

Why do you need access to channels from different countries?

All countries have their own channels for use. That is marine channels in the United States work with frequencies that are different from what is used in Canada and so forth.

A radio that can handle as many of these frequencies and signals as possible is important to have. You can check online to see what channels are available for your use in any situation.

Are there any bits of etiquette that you would have to use when using a marine VHF radio?

You will have to ensure you use the radio when you need to without trying to add more words than needed. For instance, when you use the radio, you would have to call someone by addressing a boat or location and then listing your name and call signal to get in touch with someone.

You should avoid trying to call someone for more than 30 seconds at a time. You would also have to wait two minutes in between the first three tries to contact someone if necessary. Meanwhile, you would have to wait for about 30 minutes after that failed third try to get in touch with that person once again.

How would you go about installing a marine VHF radio if you have a set-top box?

Although you can always use a handheld marine VHF radio, adding a larger set-top model might be best if you are trying to get in touch with people from far off distances. But in this case, you must be careful when trying to get it installed.

You would have to link this up to any power outlet that your boat comes with. Also, the power outlet might be linked to a larger battery on the inside of your boat. The installation standards should vary based on your boat, so check your boat’s manual for details on how to get such a material installed properly.

When should you get a handheld model versus a set-top choice?

The main point to use when deciding what the best marine VHF radio for your use would be is to think about how far off you are going to communicate with someone.

A handheld option is best for when you are going out on a smaller body of water and you know that there are things in your local area. This comes as a handheld model that will work with up to ten miles of coverage at a time. Meanwhile, a set-top option could work with a range of around 30 miles in some cases.

You should also stick with a set-top model if you have a larger boat to work with. This includes a boat with a big enough battery to let you get the unit working well enough.

You can still get a handheld model to work for your needs as a smaller portable option and as a backup in the event that the original set-top model you are working with is not operational or has stopped for whatever reason.

What is the optimal operating temperature for a radio?

A good radio should work in a majority of conditions. It can work in freezing conditions as well as in humid situations. But it is typically best to use the radio at conditions from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit so it is easier for the radio to stay working and for signals to move along in the air well enough.

Conclusion

Having a quality marine VHF radio is vital for when you get out there on the open water. You are going to need to find a way to communicate with people while on the water, but you need to look at what you can use at any given time. Be advised over what you can find when getting a good radio up and running for any intention.

The best marine VHF radio for your use should be something that is easy to work with and is not going to be too hard to utilize. Make sure you find something that is not hard to set up and that it only takes a few moments for you to get it ready.

Look at your plans for a fishing trip too so you can find a model that will not run out of power before your trip comes to an end. Be aware of how well your model can work as well so it is not hard for you to get the most out of your communications with other people in any situation.