Radio for my runabout

[Dave_Snelson]

I am looking to but a handheld VHF set to carry aboard my runabout. DSC would be great - but the current prices - OUCH!

So what would the learned panel recommend for a reasonable quality, waterproof handheld? As usual, all answers gratefully received.

<hr width=100% size=1>Madoc Yacht Club
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.madocyachtclub.co.uk>http://www.madocyachtclub.co.uk</A>

 

[Happy1]

See :-

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.seamarknunn.co.uk/catalog/cat46.htm>http://www.seamarknunn.co.uk/catalog/cat46.htm</A>

I have a Garmin 725e handheld, it is waterproof to 1 mtr for a limited time. I have seen them for £220 ish with some dealers offering a free Nicad battery worth £44 ish in the package, useful to have the spare battery, it also comes with an insert that can be used with 4 AA batteries so if the wheel comes off you can run on normal batteries. Well made, small and easy to read display.

May help

<font color=purple> "You only see what you recognise, and you only recognise what you know" <font color=purple>

 

[duncan]

I shelled out for the 'more expensive' Icom - EuroV I think it is, and have to say it is brilliant. Clear, excellent signal - better than the fixed Simrad rd64 for clarity. Haven't had to charge it again since last May and it' sbeen switched on most trips but only transmitted on maybe a douzen times. Li battery - mains adn ciggy lighter scoket charger as standard. Shop around and they are just over the 200 . Waterproof as well of course.

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[tcm]

yes agreed. these are very good.

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[duncan]

It's an IC - M1V

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[DavidJ]

If you're looking for something budget but functionally good. I bought a (less than £100) Swiftec about 5 yrs ago and one of those plastic waterproof sealed bag things (Aquatec or something?). Works well even through the plastic bag although controls are a bit fiddly.
David

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[tr7v8]

Silva Star for about £ 99 from among others Pirates Cove in Chatham.
Ask Nick2 he brought one.

<hr width=100% size=1>Jim

Draco 2500

 

[BrendanS]

I've got an IC-M1EuroV as well. Cracking piece of kit, and the battery seems to run forever. Never needed the spare.

Also have the optional hand mic/speaker for it which is excellent in smallish boats, as you can clip it to your collar and hear everything, and toggle to speak without fumbling for around when at speed.

Also has dual/tri band watch and scanning, which are also useful when you need to listen into several channels such as when in Portsmouth for eg

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[Steve_D]

I've got an icom IC-M21 I believe its cheaper than the M1. Its waterproof and has a similar performance to the M1 but uses Ni-cad batteries not Li-on BUT it does come with a dry cell battery pack so you can use duracells or whatever with it I keep a sealed set with my grab bag so that I KNOW that the handheld will keep working in an emergency.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.icomuk.co.uk>http://www.icomuk.co.uk</A>

Regards

Steve D

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[Gtdog]

I see that you were thinking DSC for the runabout, I would avoid this like the plague, unless the runabout is to carry its own licence.
The reasons being that 1) the dsc would be mmsi identified as the main vessel and 2) the bulk of the hand held dsc units take the gps updates from a charging unit aboard the parent vessel, so that when you went wandering in the tender your position would be out!

I have had great pleasure and reliable service from Icom units and heartly reccomend them!

<hr width=100% size=1>Work? You call this Work?

 

[Observer]

Dave,

Dunno if it's too late but -

I bought a Star M298 £99.95 for our RIB. When it arrived, I took one look at it and thought "This is a mistake". It looked really cheap and plasticky and not claimed to be waterproof. And I later found that the casing for the battery pack was falling apart. So I sent it back.

Now bought a Silva ???. £160 from Marine Superstore at Port Solent. Far superior build quality. Rugged looking with integrated battery pack, rubber sheath and waterproof. Not tried it out yet but if function is as good as form I'll be pleased. Also, all push button controls so can be operated inside Aquapac although I intend to rely on 'waterproofness'.


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[Dave_Snelson]

Well waddya know! I bought a Silva S12. Yes, the build quality seems tough and rugged. So far I'm pleased with it. Cheers & thanks for your advice.

<hr width=100% size=1>Madoc Yacht Club
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.madocyachtclub.co.uk>http://www.madocyachtclub.co.uk</A>