Which handheld VHF (marine) radio?

[FlaMtnBkr]

I'm looking for a handheld VHF radio. I'm actually going to get a pair so others in the group can have one if we are out and about together. I have read that you can get a high quality unit with good electronics for not a ton of money, but they usually don't have as many bells and whistles. There are also a lot of models out there so I'm a little overwhelmed at which to look at.

Some things I would like them to have (not opposed to getting 2 different models so I can see which I like best):

Rechargeable battery but preferably able to accept a common battery like AA in case the battery gets drained with no way to charge, or it goes bad over time so I can use off the shelf batteries until I'm able to replace the rechargeable. In fact, if all it takes is AA (preferable, but other standard sizes are OK too) so I can use high quality rechargeables, I would be OK with that too. An external power cord and mounting bracket could be neat too since I have multiple boats/ vehicles that these will be used in. Would be nice to not always just lay it down next to you.

Good range/ high power. I think 6 W is the max allowed?

Waterproof. I don't plan on going diving with it but if it falls in a puddle, or get stuck in a down pour, or fall in the water I want it to still work.

Floats. This isn't a huge deal but would be nice. If I find I'm worried about it I can tie a small keychain float to it when needed.

External antennae. Again, not a must, but wouldn't hurt if it had the capability.

As far as the functionality and the previously mentioned bells and whistles, I don't know enough about them to know what to look for. I guess a scan feature and some channel presets would be nice. Don't know what else is available to even ask about.

I'm sure this isn't the best forum to ask about this type of electronics, but hopefully someone out there in knife land knows something and can help out. Any information, questions to think about, or thoughts are appreciated because it will be more than I know at this point. Even if you think it isn't important I would still like to hear your thoughts.

And if anyone knows of a different forum to ask this in that would be great. I have poked around a few fishing forums and not sure if they are the best place to ask either. Many of them didn't seem to have very much traffic.

PS Out of curiosity, I wonder if any of these hand helds can be hopped up and "get better range"? Can you still get larger permanent mounted units that can be modified this way? It seems like as a kid I had an older friend who referred to a hopped up CB as a 'lanier'?

Thanks!!!

 

[Sid Post]

Hopped up radio's are a good way to meet your local Feds. Miles off shore wouldn't be a problem but, bleed over into other communication networks on land will cause you a lot of grief.

I've known a lot of HAMs that had very invasive investigations because someone's TV didn't work well or, the local fire or police had some interference. None of them where the actual source of interference but, large antenna's caused people to blame them for everything from bad radio reception in their cars to bad television reception at home.

 

[Unk]

Recreational user [duck hunter, open water] in my area, maybe all, you can only transmit at 1 watt, radios typically 5 watts. I use a Raytheon handheld, 520 Apelco- my first and only and it has been fine.

Word of caution..Marine radios are for MARINE use only..so forget for elk hunting. Most Mariners, including duck hunters, are respectful users of this radio resource..be a shame to "motor mouth" up a channel when some boater was trying to declare an emergency - MAYDAY!

A good marine store should have an excellent selection of radios and knowledgeable sales personnel.

FWIW I had my battery rebuilt by PrimeCell[primecell,com] to BETTER than original specs when finding a replacement for my aging radio was not going well.

Be safe,

Best.

 

[osvcap]

I have a Standard brand that I use around the house to listen to traffic when passing through the bridges. The company I work for buys Icom. There is a website that has some reviews for the models that they sell. I don't know if I'm allowed to list it entirely,but go "west" young man. The radio that I bought, as with most of them have the rechargable battery and include a tray to use AA.

They are not "technically" legal to use on land (in my case) unless you are communicating with the ship you're attached to and operating under the authority of that station license. If you go camping with it and use it to keep in touch with your party, will the FCC raid your site in Blackhawks and send you to Leavenworth? Probably not. If you alter it to transmit by X amount and cause interference, then yes eventually you could be tracked. The range is basically line of sight but you can buy a (Shakespeare) 18" antenna with a cable to increase the range a bit. Just make sure you buy it with the connection for your specific brand. On some models you can also add the corded microphone/speaker. A standard feature on all of them is that they can tune to NOAA weather radio stations for your area.

If you think you need a floating model, then buy it. They are probably a bit too heavy for a key chain float. The submersible certified ones are rated to be submerged in 3' of water for 30 minutes. If you decide that the price of a Standard or Icom is a bit much, Uniden and Cobra also make them. Avoid the 2 pack job at Wally World that looks like FRS radios.

 

[jstrykr74]

I'll second either Standard/Vertex or Icom. You get what you pay for. While most radios in any price range are going to transmit at max allowable, these two brands are heavily built and will last for many years. Many are waterproof and come with battery packs while offering the option of using AA batteries. Just be aware that the battery life will be dramatically shorter and some radios limit output to low or medium while using AA batteries.