GL: CB radio

[Lawrence Zeitlin]

On Apr 14, 2009, at 12:00 AM, Ken wrote:

> Had an opportunity to read an article over the weekend about  
> boating, and
> communications on board, and the subject of CB radios was discussed  
> briefly as
> another tool to stay in touch with other boaters in your area.


Where has the author of the article been for the last 50 years? CBs  
were really popular in the 60s and 70s and were favored by truckers  
(i.e. Smokey and the Bandit) but they are technologically obsolete  
today. A 4 watt CB can transmit up to 10 miles over water but usually  
3 to 4 miles is the reliable communications limit. On the other hand,  
CBs are very cheap and virtually foolproof to use. Regulations are  
minimal. You can talk to anyone you can hear but you have to wait  
until the channel is clear. While convenient for boat to boat  
communication they are not too useful as a safety device since  
neither the USCG or the shore side police monitor CB. Two practical  
disadvantages. The 27 mhz band requires a 7 ft. antenna for best  
results and the AM mode of transmission is very subject to noise and  
interference. A far better choice for emergency communication is a  
handheld VHF transceiver. These are available at West and Defender  
for about $100.

I must confess that on long car trips I often carry an old handheld  
CB to find out about traffic jams on the highway. Truckers still use  
CBs and are a valuable source of roadway information.

Larry Z