Some older radios have exceptional distance and clarity performance.
The Icom 59 (which is on my assistance towboat...2 of them) was one and so is my Raytheon Ray-77.
While lacking in features, having one hooked to a big stick antenna can give amazing range..mine easily out performs the newer Icom cheaper models and a few Standard Horizons (both well respected names in radios).
While I definitely support having a DSC capable radio..an older radio that performs better than many is a worthwhile project to keep aboard. trusting your radio in an emergency transcends modernization.
If one is not available through Ebay...may want to check a couple old time marine electronics firms...sometimes they have them lying around or can wire a new one to the old connector.
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