Recommendation for boat radio

[emtprt]

I am in the process of replacing radios for 2 Boston Whaler style 20' boats. Both are stored outside from April until October. The current UHF radios (Midland XTR with Waterproof speaker/control head) are DOA due to moisture damage. I have temporary radios (Maxtracs) in the console. We are in the processs of re-banding

The Motorola dealer suggested a CDM1250 with a remote head. The deparment's trucks currently have this model radio but I am concerned that they are not water resistant.

What model radio (even if it is not Motorola) should be installed. Unfortunatley the cost of the Motorola digital XT series is out of the question. The Vetex motorcycle package only provides a waterproof control head and mic. I have not found a Tait of Kenwood product via the internet.

Thanks
Mark

[radioinstl]

Your best bet would be a Motorola XTL5000 with a motorcycle set up. The head speak and mic are all sealed. you can put the radio in a motorcycle box or other weather tight compartment.

[va3wxm]

The Kenwood 90 Series mobile radios are supposed to be mil-spec'd (MIL-810 C/D/E) to a "driven rain" standard, whatever that means.

[515]

Another option could be the Kenwood TK-5810 with the KCH-16 handheld control head. The KCH-16 is IP54/55 rated, which I believe is rainproof. You'd need a waterproof speaker and enclosure for the radio, though.

[emtprt]

Thanks for the info

Cost is a factor at this point. I simply can't afford 3000.00 for a mobile radio that sits outside all day.

[Jon66]

Analog only UHF XTL2500 no bells with the 13 watt speaker would be under $2K
Monthly PM on any radio on a boat is a must if you want it to last

[EPC_1111]

Kenwood 8150 or 890. Both are well under a grand, and give you far more features than a CDM12 or 1550.

[emtprt]

I am awaiting a price quote from both Vertex and Kenwood dealers.

Does anyone know of any grants for marine rescue or HAZMAT response equipment?

Mark

[Jim202]

Kenwood 8150 or 890. Both are well under a grand, and give you far more features than a CDM12 or 1550.

Plus the CDM radios are on the Motorola endangered list of no longer being available after a set date.

Jim

[bigbcbear]

since the cdm1250 is on the way out , you might want to look at the xpr series of moto radios .

[giguchan]

CDM'S on their way out? it seems like they just came out... anyone know when that date is? damn.. and i just re Upp'd my Moto subscription too.. oh well... XPR EH?
This might mean that cdm's will be plentiful at the next Dayton.

[emtprt]

I am sure it has to do with the narrowband regulations. I Purchased our first CDM radio in 2000 and have 40+ units. They have been reliable for the most part.
Are the HT 750/1250/1550 going away also?

[giguchan]

EMT,
wow!! hard to believe they have been around for so long... i have a few of them myself and like you have nothing but good things to say about them they have been in service more so than not.

[Tom in D.C.]

Mark,

Would it make sense to check with a large FD nearby, like FDNY's equipment bureau, to find out what they use and how they handle the salt spray issue? Just a thought.

Regards,

[emtprt]

I submitted a requested for bids... I am waiting to see who can provide what.