[zariah]

New to boating, 1993 Mariah MX 20, and having been towed by a good samaritan three different times in three weeks due to a bad starter, driving up on a reef (only hurt the prop!) and engine konking out for some unexplained reason (perhaps water in the gas?), I have been very lucky!

However, it does seem prudent to have a VHF radio on board as well as my cell phone for calling the Coast Guard. The previous owner has an antenna mount and I would like to know from those experienced with VHF communication what the best radio for the money would be for me to purchase and where.

Also, I have been looking for a good GPS. I like the Garmin 421C so far, but I would appreciate any suggestions from small boat navigators and what they have experienced.

Thank you,
Zariah

[Z280Bob]

Like you I too am new to boating and Mariah however I have had a number of automotive GPS systems and now a Lowrance 5200C with a Navionics chip of the Central US for rivers and lakes. I like the Lowrance system so far and it I believe is one of the more common marine systems but some others here could verify that. The only thing I would like is for it to be touch screen vs. joy stick but that may be the same for other marine GPS systems. The system cost $599 install and the Navionics Chip was another $199. The unit also includes an antenna.