On Sat, 16 Jul 2011 09:32:22 -0700 (PDT), Tim
wrote:

My Marquis came with a Uniden MC 610 Marine Radio which I believe
isn't working. The LED digital selector comes on when it powers up
but that's about it.

Don't really know what the problem is, but i think it's probably had.
So, I'm going to shop for a replacement.

I've heard that on the Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee rivers a small had
held doesn't work very well due to the bends and trees lining the
banks, and a friend of mind recommended a radio system with a fairly
good antenna. His unit had a 7 foot whip antenna. I have a similar
antenna that cam with the boat. Actually two of them. I think one was
for the marine radio and the other was for a CB.

Anyhow, the shopping is going to happen.

Anyone have any suggestions for a decent and affordable (but not
cheap) radio that you would recommend for my use on a 23 ft. boat that
will be used to hail marinas, and lock/dams etc?

Thanks!

The key thing is the antenna, there are major differences between
types and brands. If you want maximum range and a good value, I'd go
with one of these:

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|344|302025|320647|321064&id=70911

You will need to buy a mount also.

With radios, Icom and Standard Horizon are the quality leaders but I
find that just about all of them will get the job done.

Here's a bargain unit by Uniden:

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|344|301236|86885|441555&id=1701917