Setting sail with clear communication

INSTALLING A GARMIN VHF RADIO IN YOUR SAILBOAT

Communication is paramount when you’re out on the open water, and a reliable VHF radio is a crucial tool for sailors to stay connected and ensure safety. In this blog, we install a new Garmin radio in our sailboat, replacing our old Uniden model. With intuitive controls, dual handsets, and advanced features like latitude and longitude display and DSC calling, the Garmin VHF radio is a valuable addition

Garmin vhf 315 marine radio

There are a lot of options in the VHF radio market. After a lot of research we bought a Garmin VHF 315 Marine Radio. We like it’s modular style and it’s a 25-watt marine radio with Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC). It comes with a GHS 11 handset and active speaker as an intercom system. It has NMEA 2000 connectivity and preprogrammed NOAA channels, and a dedicated distress button on the side of the handsets.

things to consider

  1. Installation Locations: The unit we bought is a “black box” style, meaning there aren’t any controls on the radio itself. All of the controls are on the handsets. The best place for us to mount the unit is tucked away in a locker under the companionway stairs. The handsets we are mounting in the cockpit and next to the nav station.
  2. Removing the Old VHF Radio: The old Uniden radio is easy to remove. It was mounted in the quarter berth and the handset is attached to the unit.
  3. Mounting the Garmin VHF Radio: The Garmin radio base unit comes with mounting hardware and relatively simple to install.
  4. Wiring Connections: Running the cables was a royal pain. The cable runs are relatively short, but the cables included with the radio are 30 feet long which makes pulling all of the extra cable a challenge.

Garmin vhs handsets

  1. Install Handsets: The base unit came with one GHS 11 handset. We bought a second one to install in the cockpit. The handsets can also be used as an intercom. So if one of us is in the cockpit we can call the other person if they’re down below. We chose not to install the intercom speaker for now. The cable connection it came with was too short and we didn’t want to spend $70 for a longer cable.
  2. Latitude and Longitude Display: We like that the Garmin GHS 11 handsets display latitude and longitude information. This feature will be invaluable for navigation and communication with other vessels.
  3. DSC Calling and MMSI Number: Setting up our MMSI number is straightforward, as well as configuring the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) feature. DSC allows for accurate distress signaling and communication with other DSC-enabled radios.
  4. Testing and Calibration: After a quick test of the Garmin VHF radio’s functionality, including communication clarity, DSC calls, and latitude/longitude display, we are ready to go.

By replacing our old Uniden VHF radio with a new Garmin VHF radio, we’ve taken a significant step toward enhancing communication and safety on our sailboat. With intuitive controls, dual handsets for cockpit and navigation station, and advanced features like latitude and longitude display and DSC calling, the Garmin VHF radio offers a reliable and efficient means of staying connected while navigating the open waters

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