Hand held YHF radio - recommendations

[Trumpton189]

Hi - can anyone recommend a good quality hand held (portable) VHF radio for inshore / coastal use and contacting harbour masters etc that I can move from boat to boat. Prices and specifications appear to vary widely and I am finding it difficult to understand which make and model would best suit my needs. In an ideal world I guess I am looking for the radio to be waterproof, pocket sized, easy to use with a digital readout, clear sound / speaker with possible ear piece adaptor and powerful enough to receive and send over reasonable distances. Any suggestions either for the radio or good supplier who could provide guidance and advice?? Many thanks.

 

[Skysail]

The two makes to look closely at are Standard Horizon and Icom.

I have used SH for the last 10 years and am completely happy with them.

 

[sarabande]

Raymarine 101E for >three years. Fine piece of waterproof kit. Large knobs for use with cold paws. Good charger which does not require any fiddly adjustments.

Takes standard AA batts as well, which is fine for emergency.

No affiliation.

 

[carlton]

The RNLI use Icom. If it's good enough for them, etc.

http://www.icomuk.co.uk/categoryRender.asp?categoryID=3779

 

[PaulGooch]

I have a Standard Horizon HX750E. Waterproof, floats and VHF's, what more could one ask for.

Oh, great service too in the event of a problem.

 

[Solitaire]

Hi I can move from boat to boat.

Whatever make/model you decide on remember that you will need to register it as a seperate portable unit. You will need a T number to be legal.

 

[theforeman]

sailor sp3510 by thrane & thrane, from redcar fish. lovely bit of kit.
no connection - satisfied customer.

 

[mikehibb]

Icom M33 is what we have, think that there is now a newer version of this.