Handheld VHF

[Bad Obsession]

I already have a VHF on my boat. I am thinking that in the future I would like to get a handheld VHF as a backup and to use from the helm (my current VHF is at the Nav Station and you have to go into the cabin to use the radio.

What is a descent brand?

How much should I expect to pay?

Know of any good deals?

 

[tommays]

My standard horizon HX851 kicks ass and the GPS is crazy fast and can pick up a fix in my basement

The belt clip is great as IF i am even just working on the boat alone If i go it GOES with me

• FLOATING - Submersible JIS-7 / IPX7 (3.3 feet for 30 minutes)
• Built-in 12 Channel GPS Receiver
• Luminescent Glow in the dark gasket
• Waypoint entry (200 waypoints)
• Waypoint navigation with a unique compass display
• Navigate to DSC Position Request call
• 6 Watt Transmit power
• Large easy to read LCD with Full dot matrix display (132 x 64 dot)
• Ergonomically shaped with Rubber Armor for Non-slip Grip
• DSC functions include: Distress call with position, All ships, Urgency,
Safety, Individual call, Position Request, Position Report and Group call
• Programmable Scan, Priority Scan and Dual Watch
• Volume & Squelch indication on display
• NMEA output on cradle of DSC, DSE, GLL, RMC, GSA, GSV and GGA
• Programmable channel names
• Battery life indication
• Preset key used to recall up to 10 favorite channels
• Water activated SOS Strobe light
• NOAA Weather channels and Weather Alert
• Selectable Power Output 6/5/2.5/1 Watt
• 3 Year Waterproof Warranty

 

[Stu Jackson]

I've been the Uniden (cheap, lousy sound) and WM (cheap, they break) routes. Standard Horizon has lasted for years, less expensive, Icom not required for great performance. Your choice if you want bells & whistles, but we already have two GPS.

 

[kloudie1]

Ya won't go wrong going with Standard Horizon. I have a handheld that I bought in 1989 that still works just fine. It has made many a trip in the ditch bag after serving as a primary radio on a 23' boat and serving duty at the helm of the boat I sail today. I had to have the battery rebuilt, but that is the only thing it has had done to it. Recently I installed a Standard Horizon remote microphone at the helm and that is tons better than a handheld.. Consider that option

 

[FourPoints]

I have the iCom MC-i36, which is a great radio. Battery lasts for days and days of use. Usually only need to charge it a few times per season.

Whatever you get, make sure it is waterproof and floats.

 

[jimmcgee]

I have a Standard Horizon HX270S that I bought in 2006 and it's still going strong. I'd definitely buy another.

Defender is having a big sale now. Worth checking out. Also check the SailboatOwners store.

 

[shemandr]

I have the ICom MC-136 and agree regarding the battery. The other radios I don't know about.
Mostly, I agree that a radio at the helm is important. The one at the "Nav Station" - (A waste of space in my opinion) is almost useless for any situation underway. What do they expect the skipper to do? Leave the helm to go below to hail a crossing tug? It's ridiculous. I guess if you have a radio man to staff the radio, an engineer to monitor the mechanics, a cook and an cabin maiden it makes sense but....
On the other hand, a VHF in the cabin is nice for weather reports and monitoring while in port.
Maybe I just need some spring weather, I may be getting cranky.

 

[gpd955]

Standard Horizon makes a great radio (as you've been told already). The HX370S is relatively inexpensive and is available in the SBO store. I'm in the process of switching my chartplotter and fixed mount VHF to Standard Horizon products and their customer service/tech support is excellent.

It has the capability to use AA batteries as a backup in case the NiMH dies.

 

[MrBill_FLL]

had an icom for over 5 years. forget the #.

its waterproof and that is important. you should not need to spend over $150 to get a good one. beyond that they get smaller/lighter.

one at the nav station IS useful if you have a navigator or need to refer to charts/notes. and even better at night or in bad weather.

 

[TENACITY CS36T]

 

[stephen Penny]

I have a Horizon 851 for my sailboat and it cost ~$250. You can purchase a WM or Horizon without the GPS for ~$129. I purchased a WM handheld for another boat. Good idea to have a back-up for helm if you do not already have one OR if the dc HF radio fails as it did for me on a recent boat trip up the coast of California, when I needed to contact the USCG.

 

[Chef2sail]

I have Icom M36. Great for the dinghy, or on shore.


What model fixed VHF do you have. We have a ram mike at the helm. The advantage is it runs off the big antannnae and the 25 watt receiver. Nnot hard to install if you fixed VHF accepts one and also not expensive. I use it on the boat more than the portable ICOM VHF.

 

[Warren Milberg]

I've been using a cheap Uniden for years and love it. Has a fitted plastic bag to keep it waterproof. When connected to an emergency ant it trans h/receives at great distances.Very handy,reliable,and tough.

 

[JohnShannon]

I second or third the SH Hx851. It has a mommy button, press it and your distress call is broadcast to the CG and everybody with a DSC radio, including your position.

The only issue is range, as the antenna is down low. A fixed mount on the mast with 25W has far greater range.

 

[Pat]

I purchased a hand-held Std. Horizon (submersible) about 7 years ago and it has been
a great handheld...travels easily and small size is an advantage. This radio seems to be built very well and has a good range, esp. on high power. Battery charger is kept on boat and the charge normally lasts the weekend. Patrick

 

[zeehag]

i have 2 standard horizon that work just fine n dandy--i alternate them on the charger and always have a hand held to use if needed..they last a couple of days when kept on....

 

[Bad Obsession]

The more I think about this the more it seems like just good common sense to have a handheld aboard. It allows you to use the radio from the helm and if you have to bail out of the boat you have a means of communication. It just sounds like a good idea.

Now I need to get some funds to free up! Such is life when it comes to money.

 

[DougM]

I have a hand held iCom that I have used for the last few years. It is handy for calling bridge tenders and marina harbormasters without having to duck below to use the vhf at the nav desk. The interesting thing about the hand held is the fact that the battery holds a charge all winter without being on the charger.

As an aside, I wish I had a remote mic for the iCom M402 at the nav station. Does anybody know if the current model remote mic will plug in and work?

 

[Chef2sail]

I have a hand held iCom that I have used for the last few years. It is handy for calling bridge tenders and marina harbormasters without having to duck below to use the vhf at the nav desk. The interesting thing about the hand held is the fact that the battery holds a charge all winter without being on the charger.

As an aside, I wish I had a remote mic for the iCom M402 at the nav station. Does anybody know if the current model remote mic will plug in and work?

It will work with the IComM402 but not the M402S
http://www.landfallnavigation.com/icomhm157.html

 

[TENACITY CS36T]

Standard Horizon HX751 been solid.