Vhf radio on NC695

[andro]

Did anybody install VHF radio on NC695?
Which brand? What location?
My helm does not have room for another device.
Any ideas will help!
Thanks,

[rene460]

Hi Andro,

Installation of a radio is an issue that affects all boats, one way or another.

On a yacht the helm is in the cockpit and generally unsuitable for a typical radio installation, so it is conventionally installed inside the cabin at the nav station.  This is all very well on a fully crewed boat with at least someone usually available to use the radio, but practically the radio has to be on very loud if you are to hear it in the cockpit, even when sailing.

We realised the depth of the issue one day when an accidental gybe in very benign conditions almost sent me overboard.  My wife on the helm had visions of me disappearing through the lifelines overboard.  Fortunately I stayed on board and nothing but my dignity hurt.  

However, picture yourself in my wife’s position, sailing away under full sail, with me hopefully afloat with my life jacket, disappearing into the wake behind her.  Can’t reach the radio to call for help.  Quite a job for her to get the sails down, start the engine, turn around and go back for me, even if she just released the sheets and motored back with the sails flapping.  And she would have lost sight of me anyway because you can’t do all that and keep an eye on the man overboard.  I don’t think I would have been any better if the positions were reversed.

Among other things, we addressed the radio issue.  We have Raymarine instruments and they also have a vhf radio that has two features which are essential in that situation.  It is connected to the instrument network so has available speed and position (lat and long), and it has available an accessory microphone which can be wired to a remote location.  In case of a distress call, if I understand it correctly, it actually broadcasts those position details as part of the dsc system.  Other brands have similar equipment.

The accessory microphone has a speaker, volume and channel control etc, and a little screen that displays channel and position information.  We mounted that outside at the helm with a bit of a wiring job as it is hard wired.  No we can use the radio while sailing so it is at last normally on as it should be.  Now to tackle the man overboard drills.

In your situation, you probably don’t have an equivalent event situation, but the point is that the microphone is quite small, about twice a standard microphone length, and only has to be within arms reach, as once you pick it up, all the information and controls you need are at your finger tips.  The main unit can be installed in a more suitable location.  So it might solve your space at the helm problem.  If you currently have a radio which will accept the remote accessory, of if you have no radio, it might be a good solution.

Not a cheap solution as it meant replacing our older radio which would not accept the remote microphone, but it was a real upgrade in addition to solving the specific issue.  It is now used all the time, as having the radio on inside the boat with no one able to hear it was not satisfactory in any way.  I suspect it would also solve your problem of where to put the radio.

rene460

[Capt’n Ron]

Mar 10, 2020 23:04:21 GMT andro said:

Did anybody install VHF radio on NC695?
Which brand? What location?
My helm does not have room for another device.
Any ideas will help!
Thanks,

Hi Andro, you can probably go with a modular unit like the ones below.

Ray90
ICOM Black Box
Garmin 315

Cheers,
Ron

[andro]

Thank you very much!

[Capt’n Ron]

Andro, here is a photo of a GME GX 750 VHS installed on a new 695 in Australia. Looks pretty nice. 

[andro]

Thank you Capt'n Ron,

Have you seen VHF mounted on the roof rail above the windshield?

I think, there is enough room for it, but it will require a special bracket.

Also, the wiring would be a problem.

[nanus18]

MF/NC 795 - my solution, radio with Jeanneau's own adapter

jeanneau.proboards.com/post/41766

[andro]

Looks good nanus18

Where did you get the adapter from?

Would you send me a link?

Also, how did you rout the wires for power and antenna?

Do you have more pictures?

Thanks!

[nanus18]

Sorry, the installation was done by the dealer, and I don't know exactly where the cables were routed.


After two years of use, I have to admit that I would have preferred the black box radio, like Capt'n Ron's which can be placed anywhere.
The mic cable is a bit long, in my case it does not remove visibility.
My radio model is Raymarine Ray52