VHF auxillary speaker

[hwhayes]

So, the Garmin VHF marine radio in our 2015 R21 EC works fine except the speaker is so small the sound quality is lacking.
I had a Yaesu 200-M10 External Water-Proof Speaker from one of my Ham Radio (KD4LME) projects so decided to add it to the cabin. There are two auxiliary RCA plugs on the back of the radio, one for a haler the other for an external speaker.
Now I have much clearer and louder audio. Photo of the Yaesu 200-M10 External Water-Proof Speaker mounted just below the search light control is in my photo album "Speaker".

 

[Kimberly Dawn]

I appreciate your inability to hear VHF transmissions, and I assume you're talking about when you're underway. I like your solution.

You're lucky your radio had that capability. Stock radio in our boat was inadequate for sound and features, so I replaced it. The new radio likewise had a hailer and external speaker connection, but also a speaker in the mic handset. I use the mic speaker cupped to my ear underway which works great.

I also installed a Poly-Planar waterproof VHF speaker in the cockpit. After one evening at a marina with the VHF left on, I installed a rocker on/off switch to mute this speaker when not needed (or wanted).

Bob
The Doghouse 2

 

[hwhayes]

Bob,
Yes, I mainly need the extra volume while underway, but the larger speaker also improves the clarity of the transmission at any time/volume. You have a good idea with the cockpit speaker and fortunate to have the speaker mic to hold close to your ear. I've been using a Standard Horizon HX40E Ultra Compact Handheld VHF Radio in the cockpit, your speaker is a more economical solution.
Thanks for sharing your experience,
Harry