Trojan Boat Forum

I need to replace both the flybridge hailer and the VHF. Assume the best way to do it is with a VHF with hailer function built in. It's a little silly for me to have AIS and GPS functions in the VHF when my cruises are confined to a 30 mile long lake. However, to get a unit with an actual Hail button (as opposed to digging thru menus) it looks like the Icom M504 may be the least expensive route.

Since that's not particularly inexpensive ($320 to $350)-and I hardly ever use either the VHF or the hailer, wondered if anyone knows another alternative

Pretty good price for what you get:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Standard-VHF-Ma ... 2c65dae785

I'm using an IC-M604. Its pretty much the same as the 504. A few more features is about the entirety of the difference. The hail button on the face of the unit is a nice feature for sure. Its two buttons for me but looks like only one on the 504 which would make it even faster. I like the Icoms. I have a few of them and a handheld. Theres a couple Standards and an old Motorola here too, but the Icoms see the most use by far. The Command Mic is a nice option too. It removes the need for multiple units and multiple antennas in a single operator/multi station configuration, which it seems many of us here have.

Good luck with your purchase.

The Icom 504 is a great unit , I have one alone with 2 other Icom's on the boat .

The SH that Big D posted looks nice too but I have no hands on with that one .

I have a GX2100 and it works well....
I have used the AIS as well.
I'm a Standard Horizon user... 3 VHF's, two Chartplotters, one handheld and they have been trouble free over the years. I also like the C-Map charting.

Look at the new ICOM M424.

Thank you, one and all. After looking at dedicated hailers ($800 plus) guess I'll shut up and spring for the Icom. And, Bubbabuda, I'm looking for a "Hail" button on the face of the unit. Doesn't look like the M424 has one.