Apelco VHF Radio - Any good?

[douglee25]

My VHF took a crap over the weekend. I remembered I had a brand new VHF in the garage that was never used. I bought it a couple years ago for $25 bucks from a buddy.

The VHF is an Apelco VXL 9000 which appears to be made by Raymarine. The manual and all paperwork are all there. I was quite surprise that the manual is unlike manuals of today... it actually has internal wiring diagrams, theory of operation, etc. It appears as though the unit cost around $350 whenever it was purchased new.

http://www.raymarine.com/SubmittedFiles/Handbooks/Legacy_Handbooks/communications/VXL9000.pdf

Should I use it or bite the bullet and buy a new one for $200 or so?

Doug

 

[SCORPIO]

Looks like an older unit, but if it works go ahead and give it a try before you shell out for a new one.

 

[fc3]

Not a horrible unit, but no where as good as an Icom or Standard Horizon radio.

 

[douglee25]

Not a horrible unit, but no where as good as an Icom or Standard Horizon radio.

I kind of figured as much. Seemed great for its time. There is no DSC or MSI input on this device for sure.

Strange thing is I go down to the boat last night and the old unit works fine now. We had some really heavy storms over the weekend and I'm wondering if the canvas leaked through and wet down the unit enough to make it inoperable. Now I don't know if I should keep this one in there or replace it?

Doug