Tim wrote:
Thanks for posting this. I was talking with several, especially Tom,
about a VHF in the boat I recently aquired. the old radio is junk, and
with cell phones, I was wondering if I should replace it or not. I've
just decided.


Thanks!

glad to help. at the coast guard we always take the cell phone numbers
of boaters who call on VHF radio, but the radio is much more reliable
and effective than cell phones. all mariners listen to radio but a cell
phone call doesn't enable other boaters to assist.