Hi East West. I have handheld VHF. I got the Standard Horizon, HX870. I like it because it is waterproof and floats and has a large display. It can send a distress signal with your position automatically. It does not have AIS compatability. Tom
Our 1992 255 Condurre came with a period correct Midland VHF radio and a Shakespeare 1/4 wave antenna installed. During the restoration, I determined that the radio could only receive, so I replaced it with a Standard Horizon GX1600 and a new Shakespeare antenna that matched the original perfectly. I don't have a build sheet for this boat, but it appeared to be a factory install. In hindsight, I should have purchased the GX1700, which has built in GPS like Tom's handheld HX780. Cobalt is still building their build sheet library for older Cobalts, so someday I might be able to give you a definitive answer. Michael
