The antenna is the big deal. A good Shakespeare & mount it as hi as u can

 

Antenna:

Sites-WestMarine-Site

West Marine

www.westmarine.com

Radio:

Sites-WestMarine-Site

West Marine

www.westmarine.com

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and a sturdy ratchet mount... something that will be able to handle the bouncing around you will get on Erie. don't get plastic mounts, get something like this...

Sites-WestMarine-Site

West Marine

www.westmarine.com

 

X3 on the Shakesp antenna. It is more important than the brand of radio. You should seriously consider one with DSC

 

The radio i recommended supports DSC and the OP should definately obtain an MMSI and load it for one touch emergency calling.

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i highly recommend the Shakespeare 5225 antenna. the best buy I have found is on eBay. I got the icom m330g with built-in GPS and it's very small. it has plenty of features. and with the built-in GPS all you have to do is register it with boatus and if you have an emergency just push one button and your information and location goes to the coastguard.

 

 

Thanks for all the great advise looks like I know what I have to do....Thanks again

 

I just bought a Shakespeare Phase 3 antenna because it is removable. Removing it will allow me to keep it in the rod locker so folks don’t constantly step on it when it is down. It’s a top of the line model and costs more, but I feel it may be worth it. Pm me if you want specifics.

 

Agreed on all the advice you've been given here, and definitely get a radio with DSC and register an MMSI number. I run 3 radios, all Standard Horizon GX1600's, 2 on Shakespeare 23' 9db antennas, 1 on a 19'. On good weather days, I've been able to talk to other charters at nearly 50nm!