Intercom or race radio?

Mesh/Bluetooth intercom links headsets directly for natural, often full-duplex conversation within a team. Marine VHF remains the formal event radio net. Some systems can bridge the two through a compatible radio or adapter, but this must be engineered and tested—not assumed from the word Bluetooth.

Why wind reduction works

A close boom microphone improves the voice-to-noise ratio before processing begins. A dense foam or furry windshield reduces turbulence at the microphone, while electronic noise control then suppresses remaining wind and engine noise. Position the microphone close to the corner of the mouth and slightly out of the direct breath stream.

Push-to-talk beats accidental VOX

For a busy race-management channel, deliberate PTT is normally safer than open voice activation. Wind, coughing or conversation inside the RIB can trigger VOX and block the channel. A large glove-friendly remote PTT should be reachable without releasing the helm or looking down.

Single ear, open ear and awareness

The driver and lookout must still hear engines, whistles, competitors and instructions from people in the boat. Prefer single-ear or genuinely open-ear arrangements where practical, keep volume only as high as necessary, and ensure the headset does not interfere with PFDs, hats, eyewear or the kill cord.

Compatibility checklist

Test the exact radio, adapter, headset, PTT and charging cable as one system before the event.

  • Transmit and receive on every event channel
  • PTT works reliably with wet gloves
  • Radio speaker can remain audible to others if required
  • No unacceptable delay, clipping or lost first syllable
  • Reconnection after moving out of range or power cycling
  • Battery life covers the day with a charging plan
  • Connectors, adapter and headset suit expected spray exposure
  • Fallback handheld remains immediately available

A proper on-water test

Record transmissions from idle, displacement speed and full operating speed, both into and across the wind. Ask a receiving station to score clarity, wind noise, level and missing syllables. Repeat with the boom moved by 10mm: small positioning changes often matter more than a specification-sheet claim.