VHF Radio for 23 OBX

Without a pic of the dash area, I would have no clue.
What I DO know, however, there is no substitute for a full power fixed VHF radio and a good 6 ft antenna.

I see a couple of spots.
1) Hanging on lower edge of helm, but you risk banging your knees occasionally.
2) In the side gunnel below the throttle where the sticker is now--facing upward.
3) Just in front of windshield--right or left of wheel--depends whether you're left or right handed.

A VHF with channel selector on the mic might be of help in some of these.

Pointer: Don't scrimp on the antenna or mount. Cheap is as cheap does.

Thanks for the suggestions. I made a model of the radio from cardboard and agree the easiest install is the lower left or right side of the helm but in perfect knee striking range. Just above the console on either side is an option but would look like an after thought and you couldn't avoid exposed wiring from the back of the radio that would need to make its way into the helm console. 

I was also thinking about removing the cellphone holder and power accessory. I can either relocate that or to your point use the USB connection of the head unit. I would most likely also need to relocate the ignition switch and do some careful surgery on the existing opening to get it in. I'm surprised Regal hadn't thought of this need when designing the helm area.

Last, there is a cup holder and side pockets to the lower right sides below the gear shifter which lends plenty of space. The radio would need to be mounted vertical but pretty easy access for wiring nearby.

Thanks for the input again, I really appreciate the replies. Just have to weigh the options and then decide if I want to tackle or not on my own.

The radio I'm considering is the Garmin 215 AIS for easy integration with the Garmin 742 chartplotter.

Last question in regards to the antenna. I could mount a small antenna on top of the power tower or would you suggest a standard length mounted to the gunnel?

Thanks again!!

As mentioned before, go with full length antenna.

Well, now you've brought up another point.

Sprout, where are you boating?  If inland on smallish lakes with cell towers around, VHF is useless. If on the Great Lakes, like I am, or the ocean, it is necessary.
Remember, though, VHF is line of sight.
A 6' antenna to another 6' antenna on standard size boats gives about 8-10 mile range.
If further out than that, you're out of range. The taller the antenna(s) the greater range.

Sounds like a plan!

FWIW, I'm sure I've seen hand held to Antenna cable adaptors somewhere. That would be a great help on the rare occasion that you MIGHT nerd Long range VHF.
After all, unless you are a fisherman who likes to gab with other fishermen, VHF is primarily a distress radio service.

Good advice! As we are on fairly large inland lake cell towers everywhere, cant remember last time using either one of the the 2 VHF radios we have. probably should just remove and give away? As vessel new launched on Lake Lanier with one VHF radio assume that in 2001 cell phone service or towers not not available or poor signals? Second VHF radio original owner installed , dont know why, probably original one failed or not working well so though more expensive radio would solve problem? We have two 1/4 wave (?) about 10' antenna's, both still mounted but both just rotated almost fully down to prevent from hitting two bridge underpasses on lake when water level low! Antennas make boat look "technically advanced" (LOL)? We have no problems streaming music from cell phone to Fusion head unit anywhere on lake, great!