Handheld VHF Radios

[Tanner]

I want to put a VHF on my boat but don't want to hard mount it. Any ideas for a good handheld? Also, what channel are most of you using down in Astoria on the river?

[DriftR]

There are plenty of good units available. However, I researched and decided for my ditchbag I'd go with the Icom M-88 handheld. It is a waterproof unit, small and built to military spec standards for toughness.
It has not let me down. The battery in that little unit is a long laster for sure. Check them out.

ICOM makes good VHF radios and their prices aren't that bad. I'll get a M-88 when I get a handheld.

[USCGBoating]

Consider the power output. A handhelad only provides 1 watt (low power) and 5 watts (High Power). A mounted unit is 5 and 25.

[Sturgeon Ryan]

I just picked up a Uniden MH120 hand held from Enguland Marine.It works realy well water proof,3 channel scan and 16/9 button.They had it marked for $95.99 on sale for $74.99

[Eriksdad]

I have had a Uniden model for several years and it still works fine even after I "gave it a bath" at the ramp early one morning

[Mr. Carp]

Just get a mount and get a regular unit. The handhelds have short antanneas and don't have near the output. You want it to reach the necessary people if in an emergency.

[Ed C]

About 6 years ago or so, I bought a Unidem handheld at Fishermen's for $229.99 and it was Ok. This year the rechargeasble cadmium battery gave out when I was trying to transmit and I found they had discontinued batteries for my model. Planned obsolescence? At least a similar handheld was cheaper this time around at $99.99. I bought one now that has a Double A battery backup-it would have been bad if it was life or death and my main battery gave out in mid transission. Ed C.

Ed C.

[salty dog]

I've been looking at the hard mounts over hand-helds for the increased power and range, but don't want to contend with an antenna on those occasions that I'm not out beyond the bar. Has anyone found a hard mount with a removable antenna (screw-on?)?

[T-Jet]

I had the same dilema! Finally went with fixed mount and an 8' antenna. Its not a problem! Had a AM/FM switch put in also. The radio uses the same Antenna. When running in the Valley rivers, the handhelds do not perform as well. The Big blue is a different story. I dont want it left to chance when I absolutely need communication. It may be the difference between not coming home that day.

[JasonsZ06]

Another vote for the Icom M-88. Excellent unit, small in size, and the lithium-ion rechargeable battery lasts forever. Excellent range also. In my opinion, you should definitely have a handheld, in lieu of, or in addition to a mounted unit. What happens if your boat gets flipped by a rogue wave, or some other freak accident happens, in which you don't have time to use your mounted radio. I keep my portable in or securely attached to my flotation device, which I always wear. That way, if I go overboard, I still have a way of calling for help.

Jason

[fish-n-alot]

I recoomend the ICOM as well. I've had one for 4 years and it works great. It goes where I go. I charge it before leaving home, underway and have an extra battery pack just in case... Prices are very oompetitive too!
aj

[StickFish]

ICOM makes good VHF radios and their prices aren't that bad. I'll get a M-88 when I get a handheld.

The M88 is a feature rich radio - the Lithium Ion Battery is the biggest key feature. That battery technology is a must for two way hand held radios. The battery is capable of more Ah capacity than comparable radios with NiMh or NiCad batteries and they are much smaller to boot. Higher capacity in a smaller package means more talk time - also the Li batteries do not get a mempory and have a built in charge controller chip so you can recharge at any stage in the discharge cycle and not loose effectivness like you can with the older batteries. I would still strongly recommend a hard mounted radio because of the better antenna performance - hand held radio have what we like to refer to as dummy loads for radiators - sure they match 50ohms RF, but are not very efficient antennas. If that radio can accept another antenna unscrew it - throw it away and get a better one from Smiley - Smiley Marine VHF Antennas

Good luck on the water and be safe -

"I've seen too much of life, so the sea is my wife the mistress I'm allowed for now"

StickFish is my go to person when it comes to radio questions.

[JasonsZ06]

FYI

You can get an ICOM M-88 at West Marine right now for $249.99. ($299.99 with a $50 mail in rebate). That's a decent price.

Jason