How to Choose and Install a VHF Marine Radio

Whenever you’re taking a boat out on the water it’s important to know that you have taken all the necessary safety precautions before you pull away from the dock. One important element that should never be overlooked is your boat’s VHF radio. In an emergency, a functioning radio can be the difference between safety and a disaster.

Ask for Help

When picking out a radio for a boat and installing it, you’re always better off speaking with a professional for help if you are not experienced working with and installing boat radios. Not only can a pro help choosing best marine VHF antenna for your budget and needs, but they can also ensure that the following installation steps are completed correctly.

Mount the Radio

Once your radio has been picked out it needs to be mounted to your boat, using a binnacle mount. When installing the radio it is important to ensure that the mount is safely and securely attached in order to avoid the radio coming loose while riding and being lost overboard or, worse, becoming a dangerous projectile as it bumps free.

Drill a Wire Hole

In order to connect the radio into your boat’s electrical system you will need to have a hole drilled to run wires. After installation this hole must be properly sealed to prevent any damage from water getting inside.

Connect Your GPS

One step that many amateur installers often overlook is hooking the radio into their boat’s GPS system. This is a crucial safety step, as it allows your radio to transmit your location to any rescuers in the event of sending out an emergency distress call, which can be the difference between being found quickly or not.

Your boat’s VHF radio is one of its most important safety features and it is essential that you have one that is in operating condition and properly installed. If your boat needs a new radio, now is the time to change that.