Hand-held VHF radio suggestions

[philipm]

I've changed boats and my new boat (21 foot bow-rider) doesn't have a built-in vhf radio.

Can anyone recommend a hand-held vhf?

Are there any particular features I should be looking for?

I've done a bit of reading online but figure there's nothing better than real life observations from others.

Thanks!

 

[Jamie Dundee]

Very happy with my SH HX890.
Standard Horizon HX890e Floating DSC Handheld VHF Radio | Force 4 Chandlery

 

[Hot Property]

Very happy with my SH HX890.
Standard Horizon HX890e Floating DSC Handheld VHF Radio | Force 4 Chandlery

+1 for the Horizon HX890.

Really clear reception, floats, strobe activates on water contact.

I thought the FM radio was a gimmick but I actually use it .....

Brother has bought one and is also pleased.

I use the optional mic on a coily lead which is also waterproof

The vhf clips to my lifejacket and the mic is easy to use independently.

Make sure you set the GPS refresh rate to minimum as (like all hand helds) the battery will drain rapidly.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Another vote for the Standard Horizon

 

[colind3782]

+1 for Standard Horizon

 

[Boathook]

Icom are good as well.

 

[ctva]

I have the old Icom M91D, DSC hand held. Excellent service over the last 10ish years. If I was to replace it, I'd go for the M94.

Try both in your hand and see which feels better, but in your situation, definitely a DSC one which means the Icom or SH.

 

[slawosz]

I have a cheaper Cobra, regret buying it as the battery indicator is lying and when I thought is full, I could not transmit.

 

[prv]

Another vote for Standard Horizon as a brand, though I’m not familiar with their DSC handhelds as I prefer the simpler kind for my purposes. As the main radio on board I can see the argument for DSC although I wouldn’t consider it mandatory.

Pete

 

[gregcope]

Like Icom. However have an older HX870E GPS/DSC unit. Works well. Battery last for ever. 6W.

Reason I got the SH over Icom is that it came with accessories i wanted like 12V charger and spare AAA battery pack that Icom charge for. It was effectively 40% cheaper and I could not mentally justify the Icom over the SH.

Strobe is useful. As is floating. I dropped mine at 0300 after a channel crossing whilst picking up a mooring on my own. Managed to see the strobe and go back to fetch it as it floated down tide.

I lost a good icom to the depths!

Would buy another or the newer models.

 

[Manosk]

Another vote also for Stanard Horizon Ihave the HX300 model ( 4 yrs) which also supports a tray for AA batteries

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

Consider your intended use of the boat; will the range of a handheld (versus the range of a five-times-as-powerful fixed VHF with a much higher aerial), be sufficient for your needs in all circumstances, bearing in mind that it is a safety item?

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

Another vote for Standard Horizon as a brand, though I’m not familiar with their DSC handhelds as I prefer the simpler kind for my purposes. As the main radio on board I can see the argument for DSC although I wouldn’t consider it mandatory.

Pete

I've had my licence since 2009 and currrent boat with DSC since 2010 and have never made a DSC call!

 

[ctva]

I've had my licence since 2009 and currrent boat with DSC since 2010 and have never made a DSC call!

Me neither but you still have the little red button.

 

[prv]

will the range of a handheld (versus the range of a five-times-as-powerful fixed VHF with a much higher aerial), be sufficient for your needs

On a 21-foot speedboat a fixed antenna isn’t going to be all that much higher than a handheld one.

Pete

 

[tross]

+1 for SH for quality of service . I sent a unit for repair and it returned within a week or so - They haven't sent an invioce yet ! ( pls don't tell them)

 

[MOBY2]

+1 Standard Horizon

 

[ashtead]

My first handheld back in 2001 was an icom IC-M31. It lost its charge but having paid out for a replacement battery it still works as a back up and has a battery tray. When looking for a dsc set went for standard horizon as mentioned. It’s bulkier than the old icom but was cheaper than the icom equivalent and so far has performed fine and seems to hold its charge. Sometimes marine superstore throw in a free cabled mike as part of an offer so you might want to check with them if /when an offer is on. Like others I haven’t used the dsc but thought it worth having given I wanted a replacement and to have one for grab bag .I feel happier though with the SH in a wet dinghy or canoe if needed.

 

[Jamie Dundee]

Like others I haven’t used the dsc

I practice sending/receiving DSC calls between handheld and fixed VHFs to keep my hand in.

 

[ashtead]

That’s probably a worthwhile exercise re practice.