Looking to Purchase a Handheld VHF Radio

[dofthesea]

I am looking to buy a Hand held VHS radio would like it to be water proof, float and will be a secondary back up when I buy a bigger boat in the near future. Was looking at an Icom model and a few others .Would only like to buy this once for the next 5 years........ When i get a bigger boat i will have a permanently mounted system as well so eventually the hand held will be a back up. Thanks

[Healer52]

Its VHF (Very High Frequency)

And Icom is a very good brand. Standard Horizon is OK too. I have a couple of Icom ham handhelds (IC-02AT and IC-04AT) that date back to the Regan administration and still going strong...I sometimes wonder how Icom stays in business since their radios don't seem to break for me.

[rebel heart]

the icom m72 is a workhorse. i use it in the cockpit and when in the dinghy. waterproof, tough as nails. i don't know if you're going to find one that floats without it being huge.

Amazon.com: Icom IC-M72 Waterproof VHF Marine Radio: Electronics

[michaelmrc]

i use the standard horizon hx370 handheld Welcome to StandardHorizon.com
this has all the std marine channels plus weather but also has 40 lmr land programmable channels as well. as im with search and rescue and do a lot of hiking i appreciate a single device that meets all my needs.

[goboatingnow]

And Icom is a very good brand. Standard Horizon is OK

nope Standard is a very good brand, ICOM is OK

[michaelmrc]

i agree have had both and found the std horizon to be superior in sound quality reliability and service

[jamz]

I bought the Standard horizon HX850S this week for my little dingy cruises. Took it out today, it was great. Very clear, waterproof, floats, so I didn't worry about my 10 year old son handling it, and it has GPS and a couple of other goodies. I had researched here before deciding on it. 'Twas around $170.

[barnakiel]

ICOM may be a big name but my faves are SH (they make a model with DSC) and Ray (they make a model that uses NiMHs as standard and charges them when in the craddle).

I also like the clarity of voice on SH, it is better than on our fixed ICOM.

b.

[rebel heart]

Huh... gotta admit, the thing looks cool:

Amazon.com: HX850s Handheld VHF w/GPS: Electronics

[dofthesea]

Thanks for all the info. I went with the SH HX850s....... I will drop a note when to let everyone know how I like it.