Listen Up
If your public address horn is looking beat—many are—then it may be time for a replacement.
Look around your marina at the p.a. horns on most boats. Go ahead, I’ll wait… I’m willing to bet that most are sun burned, yellowing devices that have been dragged around the sea for far too long. And most are probably pointed downwards, thus completing the look of despair. Though seldom used, these devices—when employed appropriately—can be valuable pieces of safety equipment. We’ve all seen it: Someone new to the area is heading straight for some submerged debris or an unmarked shoal, and you give them a shout on 16 but their radio isn’t on. It’s times like this that a loud clear warning from a P.A. horn can really save someone’s day (or boat). And there are countless other situations where a high-powered signal can help in a tight spot. So, if your P.A. Horn (you do have one, right?) looks a bit rough, consider replacing it with a new one, like the Standard Horizon 240SW P.A. Horn ($45; www.standardhorizon.com). With a 40-watt output this easily installed unit will get your message across loud and clear.
This article originally appeared in the May 2016 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.
