Dave --
Yeah, I wouldn't have it just for the APRS feature, alone. The 2 Meter radio is also very useful for cruising -- it eliminates much of the marine VHF chatter, and there is, for example, a summer net that is available from Puget Sound through the entire length of Vancouver Island.
The Kenwood radio I chose is far from the cheapest way to go, but I wanted one with built-in APRS and GPS. There are many less expensive options.
These radios require a license for 2-way text & voice communications, but anyone can monitor the APRS beacon transmissions, which can include a short text message of your choice. Similar to Spot, but with your choice of text. Licensed Hams can send & receive short text messages directly on the radio without the need for a computer.
In your area, there are several options for obtaining a license -- only a Technician license is required for VHF/UHF work, and there is no longer a code requirement. One group near you would be the Mike and Key club (mikeandkey.org), among others. There is also a white paper regarding APRS on the Mike & Key website.
There are study guides available in both printed and kindle format through the ARRL (arrl.org). There are also Q&A guides on the internet.
I find having the ham radio on the boat to be invaluable. We've used the BC Boaters Net while cruising since the 90s. Family & friends at home can leave messages that will be relayed to you when you check-in. Check it out at
BC Boater's Net Home Page
