Marine Radio On Land?

General Discussion
1

I am thinking of purchasing the Cobra VHF/GMRS combo radio they sell. I have read the reviews and they seem good. I am curious if anyone here has used the marine radio bands while on land and if there was a problem with it. We will be about 15 miles inland and sometimes farther depending on where we are. I am wondering if the frequency works well on land and if there were any issues with the coast guard or anything of that nature. Otherwise, Ill just stick it out with the GMRS side.

2

I would suggest going with something like this… You can toggle between VHF marine freq’s and FRS freq’s.

https://www.buytwowayradios.com/products/uniden/uniden-mhs-550.aspx

3

I was thinking about this one http://www.buytwowayradios.com/products/cobra/cobra-mr-hh42li-vp.aspx Is that one good too?

4

Either of those radios is fine.

You CANNOT (without special permissions and licensing) use a VHF marine radio on land or water to land. PERIOD.

Keep in mind, do NOT expect to get 15 miles out of any handheld radios on simplex (radio-to-radio).

5

Oh I didnt expect 15 miles. I would be thrilled if I got a third of that. I would be happy with a three mile range honestly

6

I understand you need a license for a VHF, but who is going to be monitoring VHF bands miles from the nearest body of water, in the middle of the woods from a couple of hand held radios with 2 or 3 mile range? And even if they are and actually able to pick you up, how are they going to locate someone in the middle of nowhere? And assume they can locate you, they are going to send out the storm troopers to track down some guy talking with some hunting buddies?

7

Again… land use of marine radios is illegal.

Try MURS if you need VHF.

8

What JW said.

Your post is quite saddening. Complete disregard for the law is a shameful thing. Even if it is “just a radio law”.

I can tell you this, the FCC (and Coast Guard) do most certainly take marine VHF piracy very seriously. Much more seriously than GMRS or even ham violations these days.

Just do the right thing and get some MURS or GMRS radios.

9

I agree with the above, it’s illegal, don’t do it

Also, if you are only 15 miles inland from an area patrolled by the Coast Guard, they will be able to pick up your transmissions and will actively go after you, if you do it long enough. They don’t play about this type of stuff. I recently moved from coastal Florida, I’ve seen them track down boats with stuck transmit buttons, people fooling around, etc.

10

Ok thank you guys for the advice. Ill certainly keep it in mind