SSB is a completely different animal than VHF, of course. If I recall
correctly, I had to get a ham license in order to operate one. There
are other ways to communicate with far off boats if that is what you
desire. We never really used one for 'chatting' like one might with a
VHF. We used it for daily weather reports and position reports while
out to sea. Things that were important to survival at sea. And
certainly never during day sails, or coastal sailing. There is a
large network of hammies around the world that would just love to
deliver your message to any given vessel anywhere in the world.
That's my 2 cents, and it is worth much more than what you paid for
it.

Lonny

(Bobsprit) wrote in message ...
Okay, again I'm getting (as a gift if I want it) a Icom M-700 SSB radio.
Believe it or not, I don't just accept an expensive gift just because it's
"expensive."
This summer we have to trips planned and there will be plenty of daysails, but
not the kind of cruising associated with an SSB requirement. My question is: Is
this still a worthwhile radio to have on board? Can I chat with people far-off
for the sake of chatting, as in Ham or CB SSB?
I already have the VHF and also a new 10 meter with 11 meter conversion aboard.


Thanks for any help!

RB