Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Is your VHF Radio on board?
So many times the simplest things are the most important things…and those very things are the items that get overlooked continually. I’m just as guilty as the rest of you, so I’m not pointing any fingers. Fact is, these little VHF Marine Radios have saved many lives over the past few years and even though they are not recognized in a positive light in England, it never-the-less gets top billing for bringing the USCG to the aid of boaters in peril and ultimately got them home safely. VHF Radios come in both fixed mount and hand held units and now are broadcasting in digital technology so the clarity of the broadcasts are much clearer than before. Summer is definitely the time for a lot of fun, but lets keep it safe and make sure you get you and those you have on board home to enjoy another day on the water. Happy Boater.
Just out of range – easy fix….
Maybe your favorite fishing hole is right on the edge of your broadcast range for your sound system. Easy fix. You may need to invest in an amplifier for your system. These also are marine ready and are very dependable. Make sure when buying your amplifier that you check the ohms rating of your speakers to make sure that your existing sound system will handle more power without distorting the broadcast sound. Now you are ready to head for that favorite spot with the peace of mind that you are in communication range if needed. Happy Boater.
Do I need an amplifier?
My guess as to an answer to this question is that we probably don’t know if we need one or not. Most of the marine radios and VHF marine radios out there come with a very good amplification system right from the factory. Well, you might say, why do they sell amplifiers if the radios are so good? The answer is simple. Not everyone’s situation is the same. Some of us stay within just a couple of miles of shore while others are venturing out 20 plus miles into the blue waters. Depending on the atmospheric conditions, you may be at the very edge of your broadcasting capabilities. This is when you need an amplifier. It will simply boost your broadcast signal so you message can be received as well as being able to hear a reply from someone. If you just stay close to home, you probably don’t need an amplifier. Of course, a taller antenna would also be required the further you venture out from shore. Always be safe an know your limitations. Happy Boater.
Are your speakers waterproof??
There are speakers available for just about every use today. We have speakers for our entertainment centers, audio systems, cars, trucks, boats, pontoons, outdoor patios, golf carts, and just about anything that has the capability of generating electricity to operate a sound system. But – are your speakers waterproof. Being waterproof means that you can now place speaker in places that you never would have even considered before. I know that just in the past 10 years or so, we’ve seen so many strides in both quality of workmanship and clarity of sounds when talking marine speakers that it is just amazing. Since marine speakers are waterproof, it means that you can install them just about anywhere you want without worrying about if they will be ok there. Put them where you want to – as long as they have enough room for air circulation so it doesn’t create an excessive amount of heat. If your speakers are not waterproof, its time to upgrade!! Check out just how reasonable you can match up waterproof speakers with your receiver’s output and start enjoying trouble free listening! Happy Boater.
Short season calls for upgrade during downtime…
It’s probably true more so in the northern part of the United States than it is in the southern states, but I know for sure in northern Minnesota we have a short summer season. The weather lately seems to be warmer than it used to be because I remember as I grew up that if you took your vacation on the last 2 weeks of July or the 1st week in August, you could be pretty assured of nice weather. That has been greatly extended as of late, but still fall sets in with gusto all too soon. Time to put away summer toys (boats, pontoons, motorcycles) – but also the wise time to take advantage of the down time created by seasons to upgrade your boat with a either a VHF marine radio or a marine radio and a new speaker system capable of playing your MP3 formatted music so when next boating season comes, you’ll be the 1st kid on the block with all systems go!! You will have accomplished making your boat or pontoon a safer place for you and everyone you have on board with weather alerts at your fingertips as well as 24/7 emergency call availability to the USCG – to say nothing about the higher level of enjoyment you will get out of your new features. Always have fun, but do it safely…. Happy Boater.
Make your weekend an “event”…
Now, obviously I’m not talking about the new TV series with the same name. I am talking about the great experience you and your guests can have when you turn on the tunes in your back yard, or on your boat! This past weekend we had the most wonderful weather you could ever want for this time of the yearon the north shore of Lake Superior! We had warm temperatures as well as a strong breeze to keep the flies away and keep us cool. What a great time to sit back, turn on the tunes with your Marine Radio Receiver, and enjoy the great out-of-doors!! You are no longer limited to listening to what a DJ decides to play over the airwaves – you can simply plug in your MP3 memory stick or your I-Pod pre-recorded music and listen away!! Yesterday I actually went out on the lake in a very small paddle boat and just drifted in the wind for a long while. Although it was impossible on that small craft, I did think how nice it would have been to simply have some nice music playing as I drifted along. Enjoy your week! Happy Boater.
A VHF gift!
How many times do you get to give a gift that both classifies as a “gadget” (with real buttons that we all know is an important element in a guy’s gift!) as well as a very sophisticated piece of safety communication equipment? My guess would be not very often. Why not make this year the year that you give the gift that can really give back if an emergency ever happened while on the water? Not a lot of money has to be spent, as these units (both fixed VHF Marine Radios and Hand Held VHF Marine Radios) have become very affordable for the end users. Ladies – Father’s Day is coming! This would be a GREAT investment in your family – even if you some day were able to avoid a storm by receiving the auto updated weather broadcasts (NOAA). What a gift! Happy Boater.
Add the Music Dimension to your Party…
It’s a nice day – you have a few friends coming over – you want to make an impression on them. Why not put them on your boat or pontoon, spend a day on the water! That is really a great way to spend the day!! One dimension to your party that you don’t want to sell short is fine music. Nearly everyone likes music. It seems to be one of the few things that really cross international lines easily – a common thread of satisfaction which we can all enjoy. It’s really quite easy to provide that missing dimension to your party in today’s world. Many marine radios are available with MP3 and I-Pod plug-ins. You can play your own pre-recorded music through your speaker system on board your own boat! I would highly recommend choosing marine speakers vs standard speakers as they are not affected by rain or inclement conditions that we all encounter occasionally. Make fun memories this weekend. Install a fine marine sound system and party on. Happy Boater.
Need more “oooomph”?
Sometimes you just need a bit more power to accomplish what your desired sound quality. Maybe you need a better sound, or maybe it’s as simple as wanting to broadcast over a larger area! If those sound like some of your needs, then it is likely that you should consider a marine amplifier (new, larger marine speakers wouldn’t hurt, either). These units are waterproof and won’t let you down when you least expect it. With these units, you will be able to adjust your sub woofer sound and enjoy high quality listening! I personally enjoy having the bass set just to a point that you can feel it when its playing. A marine amplifier will allow you that control.
Remember – there’s nothing too good for a great day on the water! Up north here we just haven’t reached very warm temperatures yet, but I can see they’re coming as I look at the weather map for the rest of the country. I guess I can’t complain – we are, however, about 3 weeks ahead of schedule for spring as it is! Happy Boater.