Good morning all, Is the Uniden VOYAGER a good handheld. I am looking for a small radio for on-deck and dingy use. How is the quality of this device, etc. Checked archive and did not find anything. Thanks, Eamon
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Handheld VHFs
Eamon My experience is that they are all pretty much alike with the following differences: 1. waterproofing - some aren't. We've lived with one that wasn't and it's lasted over 8 years. We have a newer West Marine 100 that's just fine and takes the spray. Depends on what boat you have, and how wet it gets. If you're going to use it in the dinghy, the same applies - you may have a small oar powered donut dinghy, or a 15 HP go fast boat. 2. Sound - this is a perception issue based on what and how you personally can (and can't) hear. Everyone's ears are different. It's like the difference between a cheap AM radio and a Bose system. But that's all up to you. I recommend that you go into the store and listen to various models. Some get more volume and some sound "better." That's up to you. I've found louder is better, but then I'm trying to finally get The Admiral to YELL at me so I can hear her!
Stu PS also read the West Marine Advisor on handheld VHFs, they cover the features pretty well. The most basic helpful feature is at least dual, if not, triple watch, Very helpful to check 09, 16, 14 (Vessel Traffic) and maybe others of your choice on an ongoing basis. Also a useful safety tool. It's also gotta be easy (intuitive) to use. Read the WMAs.
Eamon My experience is that they are all pretty much alike with the following differences: 1. waterproofing - some aren't. We've lived with one that wasn't and it's lasted over 8 years. We have a newer West Marine 100 that's just fine and takes the spray. Depends on what boat you have, and how wet it gets. If you're going to use it in the dinghy, the same applies - you may have a small oar powered donut dinghy, or a 15 HP go fast boat. 2. Sound - this is a perception issue based on what and how you personally can (and can't) hear. Everyone's ears are different. It's like the difference between a cheap AM radio and a Bose system. But that's all up to you. I recommend that you go into the store and listen to various models. Some get more volume and some sound "better." That's up to you. I've found louder is better, but then I'm trying to finally get The Admiral to YELL at me so I can hear her!
Stu PS also read the West Marine Advisor on handheld VHFs, they cover the features pretty well. The most basic helpful feature is at least dual, if not, triple watch, Very helpful to check 09, 16, 14 (Vessel Traffic) and maybe others of your choice on an ongoing basis. Also a useful safety tool. It's also gotta be easy (intuitive) to use. Read the WMAs.Uniden Hand Held
I bought a Uniden hand-held VHF about 5 yrs ago for about $100. I think that they are less than that now and West Marine markets the exact same model under their own name (and it goes on sale now and then.). This has been a very reliable and easy to use VHF. With 1w and 5w transmit power, I can normally reach other boats (depending on WX and antenna height) out to about 10 miles. (For reasons I can't fathom, this radio receives the NOAA WX on Channel 1 better than my expensive ICOM, which is hooked up to an antenna at the mast head). Since this VHF is not water proof I keep it in one of those plastic protector bags. This has been one of those purchases that has worked out much better than I thought it would.
I bought a Uniden hand-held VHF about 5 yrs ago for about $100. I think that they are less than that now and West Marine markets the exact same model under their own name (and it goes on sale now and then.). This has been a very reliable and easy to use VHF. With 1w and 5w transmit power, I can normally reach other boats (depending on WX and antenna height) out to about 10 miles. (For reasons I can't fathom, this radio receives the NOAA WX on Channel 1 better than my expensive ICOM, which is hooked up to an antenna at the mast head). Since this VHF is not water proof I keep it in one of those plastic protector bags. This has been one of those purchases that has worked out much better than I thought it would.
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