HELP WITH VHF!

[santashelper]

Hi to one and all! I need help choosing a handheld VHF for my brother in law for xmas, So what should I look for in general??? The budget is about £100 ish and so far I fancy the silva s12. Any comments or tips, what to look for , what to miss etc welcome
Thanks

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[graham]

I havehad an XM 2000 for about 3 years. Works well costs about £100.Cant comment on Silva as I havent used one.

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[paulrossall]

If you do a search on VHF you will find loads of postings on this subject. Paul

<hr width=100% size=1>there is nothing-absolutely nothing-half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.

 

[JonBrooks]

Well worth speaking to some dealers etc.
Some great offers around at the moment in the run up to the London Boat Show.
You will be able to compare prices and specs via them and the web.

You will be amazed at wot is open to you at and around your budget.

Hope that helps a little.

Regards

<hr width=100% size=1>Jon Brooks
Marine Dealer Manager
Icom UK Ltd.
01227 741741

 

[Marsupial]

Yachting World are showing one that they say sells in the UK for £49.95 - but like other posts my XM2000 has worked faultlessly for 5 years - despite it not having the full 5 watts Dover Coastguard could hear it from calais!

I was impressed anyway. . . .

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[fireball]

I've had nothing but trouble with the Silva S12 - on my third unit in its 2 year warranty - however, it is used primarily in an open rib - so rather exposed to the elements ...

On the other hand i've found Icom radios to be pretty robust ...

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[Koeketiene]

Whatever you do - don't buy the Silva!

Absolute rubbish - used mine for about 7 months, and it looks and works (or rather doesn't) like a WW2 vintage set.
Rusted in places (after 7 months!), buttons don't work, you name it... Used it only in the cockpit, worst it suffered was some spray. When I sent it back the reply was that it had been "abused" and used in too an exposed environment. Well, I have no need for it in my living room. How they dare to market these things as a "marine" VHF is beyond me.

rant over - taking another pill

<hr width=100% size=1>Experience is a good teacher, but she sends in terrific bills.

 

[Colvic Watson]

Watch out for the £49.95 job (made by Cobra) - only any good for very short range as max output is 2W - nearly bought one before I had seen that! Icom is superb.

<hr width=100% size=1>Are we nearly there yet?

 

[gjeffery]

Standard Horizon HX260E. About £100. Had one for 2 years, without problems, and generally use it in preference to the fixed set.

Ups
Made by Yaesu
Submersible
5W output
Spare battery pack provided takes AA cells (ie grab bag)
Mains charger
Feels right, and fixes to lifejacket belt well


Downs
Rechargable battery pack is NICAD
12v charger is available as an extra.

Would I buy another one - possibly, its good value, But might by the more expensive Entel to get an NiMH battery pack.


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[dickh]

Also make sure it is to a UK/EU spec. Lots of VHF radios on the market which are US sourced are NOT UK/EU approved. They say they have all International channels but they DON'T have M1 or M2 channels. There are lots on ebay like this, particularly Uniden brand. I've not tried Silva or the other make mentioned but Icom are always good but a bit pricey. I've an older Swiftech M198 which I wouldn't buy again as it's benn repaired a couple of times already.

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[JonBrooks]

Prices are well down for the boat show!

Regards

<hr width=100% size=1>Jon Brooks
Marine Dealer Manager
Icom UK Ltd.
01227 741741

 

[MarkV]

I have an S12, and it does the job for me. It is my only VHF on a small trailer sailor so I keep it hanging from a hook just inside from the hatch with the volume turned up full. There is lots of distortion at full volume but it is quite clear once you turn it down. It has been critisised for having too small a battery and for being difficult to use, though to be honnest I don't play with the functions much and it has had some good reviews. I have accidently changed it from international to US and Canadian channels, This facility is not included in the manual which caused me some confusion. I generally leave it connected to a 12V battery which Silva tell me is OK and may even give a bit more power. I'm not sure if I would buy another one although I'm not despiratly upset with it. I believe you get what you pay for and at around £100 it is at the cheeper end of the market.

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