Which waterproof V.H.f. to buy for sea paddling^

[Danny avocet]

Hi all
Just need a little help and advice on what type of v.h.f. to buy and what would most paddler's tend to use on the ocean , regard's Danny B.K.C.
ps happy Christmas to everyone.

[CaptainSensible]

Icom seems to be the most popular brand atm (lithium batteries; variable transmission power settings etc.), either the M-31 or the M-71. They have a model (the M-33) which floats now.

However, most of the people I paddle with put all of their electronic gizmos into aquapacs (or an equivalent) regardless of their waterproofing rating/certification.

[RG1]

I have and use an icom M71, would recommend it (although as with any handheld VHF it's usefulness is pretty situational).

[RG1]

where's edit? :) Just to add I don't put my VHF in an aquapac (M71 is waterproof to a point) as I find it a bit fiddly that way, the supplied strap tied to key loop in my BA keeps it from doing a runner and I've rolled/been immersed lots of times with VHF tucked into the side of BA without it being any hindrance/the unit being damaged.

[Wenley]

Good to you! However good, hanhelds radio had a weak spot in the contact plates and screws. Check them now and then.

[Skerry Packer]

I use Entel HT 640 submersible and have had no problems with it. would buy one again if needed.
Gerry

[ian the badger]

I have a Standard Horizon, seems to tick a lot of boxes. Waterproof, easy to use good size display.
Picked up Liverpool coastguard the other night.......and I live in the Midlands

[Erling]

I'm happy with my Icom.
I considered the M33 because it floats, the reason I finally went with M71 was the higher output. Agreed, 6W is just one watt more but it equals a 20 pct increase. For these small radios used at sea level, every little bit may count. Also, the M71 has better waterproofing and double the battery capacity. (There's no doubt that the M33 is a great piece of equipment though.)

I got mine from JG Technologies, JGTech.com.
149 UKP w/shipping within the UK.

[MikeB]

Icom or Garmin.

[Chas C]

I have a Standard Horizon, seems to tick a lot of boxes. Waterproof, easy to use good size display.

I too have this one - HX270E, does what it says on the box.

[AllanJ]

Looking at the prices of some of the units mentioned in this thread makes me think perhaps it's time I replaced mine. To give you some idea of its age, it was made in the UK!

I am tempted to hang on and see if prices of handheld DSC come down a bit more.

Allan

[NeilG]

I finally took the plunge, but only went for a cheap-as-chips baby Cobra radio C£50. I have to say that it is very well made, but only has 2w maximum power. That said, on my other boat, all communications are made at 1w, albeit with an antenna somewhat higher...

My budget would not go further and I figure that something is better than nothing.

The water proof bag that it came with is suspect. The neck strap broke second time out! Maybe a good quality pouch is in order as the radio itself is only splash proof.

My only criticism of the radio (in the dry bag) is that you can not operate the rotary on/off/volume control. All other buttons are push operated with a reassuring beep and back light display.

[johnb]

Where's the best place Santa could get one of these from?...

[Danny avocet]

Thankyou to everyone,
Got some good replies and feed back on vhf's.
Happy paddling Danny B.K.C. N.Ireland

[AllanJ]

Practical Boat Owner (yottie mag) have a review of handheld VHFs in this month's (January) issue. Buy a copy and leave it open where Santa can see it!

Allan

[active4seasons]

I have used a Uniden voyager I baught in canada in 05 and have never re-charged!! Has to be a record!
I don't leave it on on trips but have used it quite a few times to call in and out after trips. It has now sucumed to salt water and just about sized up unfortunately - I would recommend a dry bag for that reason alone. Despite washing off with fresh water they still corrode!
Ollie