[C320-list] VHF Radio replacement

[Jack Brennan]

Handheld radios have a range of about 5 miles without perfect reception, but OK.

I bought a new Standard Horizon with remote wired mic for under $300. I placed the connector at the rear of the port cockpit locker to avoid having to run the wire up the pedestal. Works fine.

I had to slightly enlarge the cutout with a jigsaw, and there was the usual pain of running new wire, but it was not a major hassle. The wiring just transfers over.

I would install a permanent radio to avoid taking an eventual hit on resale value. Broken or missing stuff never looks good on a boat.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.



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-------- Original message --------
From: Daniel Kolean via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Date: 7/16/23 8:54 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Cc: Daniel Kolean <dkolean60 at gmail.com>
Subject: [C320-list] VHF Radio replacement

My vhf stopped working. I traced power up to the radio connection, so I think it’s the radio. It’s an Apelco model 4500.  I am wondering what the four wires are in the plug? I assume red it power, black is ground but there is a green wire and yellow wire, going into a 4 connector. If I get a new radio will the 4 connector be the same? I also have an antenna plugged into radio, are those connectors still the same?  What about the idea of putting a blank plate over the radio cut out and buying a hand held VHF. I just day sail, easy days and I can always see shore.

Dan Kolean
ENRICH #498

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