New submersible VHF handhelds

[Bruce Moore]

We've been in the market for a back-up, handheld VHF radio. The increasing number of submersible models are interesting. Scott Williams of Scott's Boat Page has published an in-depth (no pun intended) review of several submersibles. Worth checking out.

Do you have any favorites or recommendations?

 

[CaptMac]

I've got the West Marine VHF150, and the second one has worked fine for me. The first one died during the first year I had it, and West Marine replaced it on the spot.

Mac

 

[Stella Maris]

Bruce,
We have the Icom M34 floating handheld. (It really does float.......) This has proved to be a great radio. I carry it on the kayak when I go paddling or in my pack when I hike one of the many mountains around Lake Mead. This gives me the ability to contact the "mother ship" to let my wife know if there is a problem. (So far, haven't had to do this but it makes her feel better).
David

 

[j&lgray]

The Laurie Ann carries a Standard Horizon hand held that we just got from boatersland.com for just over $100. So far, we have been very happy with it. It is a DSC radio that connects to the GPS/chartplotter.The beauty of that if, in an emergency, you turn on the radio in the charger and the GPS location is stored in the radio and when you push the DSC button, the location is broadcast to the CG in a micro-burst of information. It also has AM, FM, and aviation bands to monitor. We have hardwired the charger into the Laurie Ann's system.

For the rest of you who do not have a second VHF radio, we boated for nearly 20 years without one but were convinced after attending a survival/safety class. If you have to abandoned ship, you need a way to communicate. It is a must-carry!

 

[Stella Maris]

West Marine currently has the Icom on sale for $149.00. This is a savings of $20.00.

 

[Texas Steve]

We have the ICOM from West Marine and find it to be adequate.

Texas Steve

 

[Texas Steve]

Thanks for posting this... I really enjoy seeing this type of video.

Texas Steve