Handheld VHF

[gtmoore]

Do people here have any opinions as to how much to pay for a handheld VHF for emergency purposes? I already have a fixed VHF in the boat and an emergency antenna incase the mast goes AWOL but I have been advised to sort out a handheld in case I need it for communication when abandoning to a liferaft. Would also be useful I assume if I had sprung a leak and the water was over the top of the batteries.

I've done some homework on prices and these vary considerably. Is it worth going for a decent waterproof handheld for £200+ or a cheaper non-waterproof version with one of these waterproof bag's. I appreciate that the more expensive one may be a better radio but I'm really not expecting to use this so would the cheaper one perform well enough in an emergency?

Thanks

 

[rogerroger]

I wish I'd spent a bit more on mine. I got the XM2000 which was quite a good buy at about £140 inlcuding a charger and waterproof pack.

But, I've used it on deck right outside various marinas and they've reported me badly breaking up.

For emergeny purposes you're better off getting an emergency VHF antena in case of a dismasting as the power of the unit is better than a HH and you'll be able to get it higher, if only on a boat hook, than the HH. Obviously the HH is essential if you abandon ship.

If you're only intending to use the HH for emergencies then surely this is the reason to get the best you can, rather than the cheapest.

Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[Skyva_2]

I would go for the better quality, because I suspect you will probably use it for much more than emergencies. Our main use is for communicating to marinas and other boats, and you can do this while on the helm. Also if you keep it for emergencies how do you know it will work if you need it? Better to keep it charged and in use.

So ease of use will matter too - are the controls simple and positive etc. A facility to use dry cell batteries is also a useful backup.

Keith

 

[JeremyF]

With DSC coming in for HH as well, the prices have been dropping. I got an Icom M5 for the same as a cheapo 12 months previously - £140.

On the subject of pricing, with most marine electronics falling, especially radar, why have GPS gone up 15% in the last year? Any ideas?

Jeremy Flynn

 

[WayneS]

GPS price rises are probably due to demand. Any business will charge as much as they can get from a customer. We all want a GPS now so the suppliers can afford to keep the prices up.

W

 

[rogerroger]

surely demand stimulates competition which should then, in turn, drive down prices?

it's not like we're talking new models either (unlike PCs for example where speeds increase all the time) - my Garmin 128 was £185 last year, now it's about £235.



Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[WayneS]

Time of year also has an effect, before the start of the season they were still around £190. Maybe they will revert to those prices in teh off season again.

 

[rogerroger]

where do you shop then Wayne ?? Please let me know - I'll save a fortune ;-)



Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[WayneS]

London Yacht Centre just outside Liverpool st station had them for £185 in March this year. I was tempted but decided to wait cos surely prices would come down even further. Now I am worried...

 

[hillyarder]

Yaseu HX260E. Excellent quality.

www.radioworld.co.uk I have no connection with this company but I do have this hh.

 

[rogerroger]

you should have snapped one up! I've not seen them below about £215 all year.



Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[gtmoore]

Thanks for the responses - seems a quality VHF is the one to go for. I'm considering the Icom M21 or the Simrad HT50. They both have a similar spec - the Simrad being a little more expensive.

Anybody have any experience with either of these brands?

Thanks again

 

[Piers]

Having used a number of different hand-helds when helping with the MBM cruises, the one which stands out is the ICOM M1euro5, with Li-ion batteris.

The system is water resistant, and has proven itself in being splashed heavily without problem. But as for being immersed, use a bag.

The rechargeabe Li-ion (Lithium ion) battery has a huge life. Far more than Ni-cad.

In emergency, I would want the best with a long battery life - hence I recommend the above.

Piers du Pré
MBM Cruising Club enthusiast
www.dupre.co.uk/fsPlaydeau.htm

 

[JeremyF]

The ideal battery configuration is Lithium, but in a AA package, so you can fall back to disposables if the primary pack fails. Icom does this now.

Jeremy Flynn

 

[Twister_Ken]

Garmin H/H VHF (725e?) also has Lithiums with an AA batt pack as an alternative. Worth considering if you think you might spend some time in a raft. Also fully w/proof.

 

[ccscott49]

I've a Icom M1 Euro, but they have a new waterproof, which will take AA batteries, I wish I'd known it was coming out, I would have bought that one! You can waterproof wrap a bunch of AA's for the grab bag and always have power on your VHF! The icom is a wonderful piece of proper professional equipment!

 

[rich]

the garmin 725e is an excellent radio fully water proof, all push button, no nobs to fiddel with.

rich )

 

[EdEssery]

I recently got an Icom M3 Euro in Marine Force (ex London Yacht Centre) by Liverpool St. Station with both a 12V and 240V charger and a waterproof bag for £142.99. This is a good quality water resistant set that has recently been replaced by a newer model thus the lower price. It has had several good write ups at a higher price.

I was back in there today and notice they had a special offer on SX Micro 90 sets at £89.99 if you want to go cheap.

Personally I wouldn't go for the cheapest set but rather a quality recognised brand mid-range set. It might be the thing that saves your life....

Hope this helps,

Ed

 

[Budgie]

I have an Icom, chosen primarily because it has a battery state indicator on the screen, and because it has a Li-ion battery.

 

[andyball]

we have an hd52(simrad h/h)....very pleased with it, esp. the long battery life. Simrad say the cradle/charger isn't waterproof & want you to buy another one for use outside (£50!), but they look v.similar.