Handheld VHF with removeable batteries for the grab bag

[pvb]

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On my HX870E, the GPS uses a tiny 40mA. And if that's too much, you can set a "power saver" mode which reduces the consumption by 90%.

 

[capnsensible]

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You could practice semaphore whilst waiting for a response to your EPIRB signal.

 

[Paddy Layback]

You could practice semaphore whilst waiting for a response to your EPIRB signal.

Yes sure sorry I went a bit OTT with my language, but I do get frustrated by all these gadgets having tiny writing and buttons though!

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

Force 4 are selling the HX300E for £100, as are Gael Force. The alkaline tray from Force 4 is £18. Personally I am very wary of using alkaline batteries for emergency kit as they tend to have a fairly short shelf life in a marine environment unless you leave them in a sealed packet and I'm not sure I want to be opening a packet of batteries and fitting them into a device in an emergency. I have an Alkaline tray for my H/H but the battery life is pretty short - if I had my own boat I think I'd go for an extra Li-Ion battery and charger and hope I could grab it when needed rather than faff around with alkaline.

As Paddy Layback mentioned in post 12, pure Lithium AAs are the answer. Very long life, and also the best energy density of any contemporary cells.

They are too pricey for everyday use though.