Marine VHF Shore Station Equipment

[LA_Tomorrow]

This maybe in the wrong forum... but it seemed to fit closest to my question.

I am with a small club which has previously had an operating license for a marine VHF shore station for use in marine operations (now expired), and am investigating whether re-acquiring it would be financially feasible.

Beyond the FCC related fees, the cost of equipment is an issue. To that end, can a standard fixed mount VHF radio, with a power supply, be used in this scenario? What type of amplifiers should I look at if going that route (we were licensed at 50 watt transmission) as off the shelf marine VHF radios do not have that transmission capability.

If an off the shelf system is an option, what types of radio's should I be looking for, keeping in mind that operation needs to be as easy as possible.

[RodStrong]

I don't know why one couldn't use a land mobile radio for marine use. But if I am wrong, someone will chime in.

You can buy a good 50 watt VHF mobile with low channel capacity for around $250+. One that would cover all the marine channels would run about $300+. Whether you want a cheap or more elaborate antenna setup would be up to you. Power supply would run around $100.

[prcguy]

A commercial radio would have to be FCC type accepted for part 80 marine use. There is little perceivable difference between 25w and 50w so why not use a common marine radio?
prcguy

[mmckenna]

I concur. Marine VHF radios need to have Part 80 acceptance from the FCC. There are VHF LMR radios out there that have Part 80 certifications, some of the newer Kenwood's do.

But, the 3dB difference between 25 and 50 watts won't mean much.

Instead, get a good Marine 25 watt radio, as it will have the functions that you want. Get a power supply suitable for 12 to 15 amps or so. If you really want to make a difference in your set up, put your money into the antenna. Skip the cheap fiberglass antennas designed for boats. Instead, put the money into a decent base antenna designed to cover 156-160MHz. Use good coaxial cable, nothing less than 1/2 inch heliax or LMR-600, better if you can afford it. Get the antenna up as HIGH as you can. Since there isn't much in the way of topographical shielding on the ocean, your distance is limited by antenna height. The higher you get your antenna up, the farther away your horizon is going to be.

It's been a long time, but back when I was in the Coast Guard, I seem to remember MSF-5000's Motorolas being used in some remote base set ups. Not sure what they use now for remote bases, but remember, they fall under the NTIA, not the FCC.

[raybbw]

When I worked for ICOM as a marine rep they provided a radio programmed for marine only.
Years ago it was a lmr unit. Give them a call I'm sure they will be glad to help.