VHF Handheld

[AlexandraH]

Hello:

I need to purchase a VHF Handheld and wanted to know what the majority of you prefer (those that use a handheld). It will be used mostly for bay sailing in San Diego Bay.

Thanks!
Alex

[Faster]

Recently bought the ICOM M34 - floating/submersible model - under $200. Seems to work fine, the battery life on standby receiving seems a long time. Comes with an AC charger but would recommend a 12V charger as well so you can recharge aboard without shore power.

Not a replacement for a proper installed VHF- (way less range) but a nice convenient additional alternative for monitoring in the cockpit and calling marinas etc from there.

[sailingdog]

I like the Standard Horizon models, but the Icom Faster mentioned is nice too... However, many of the SH models have a charging cradle that has an NMEA 0183 connection and can be used for DSC distress calls if connected to a GPS properly.

[Boasun]

I use a Uniden Voyager. It is small and has a belt clip if you need one. Plus it is submersible (though I've never tested this aspect of it, nor want to either).
Some of the work boats that I've worked didn't always have a radio at the after control station and we always need one there. But some boat companies cut costs where they should have spent the money.
You know how it is: Penny wise and Pound foolish. An English cliché that says it all.

[capttb]

I use the Uniden Atlantis 'cause it's cheap ($100), comes with 12 & 110 volt chargers, and a spare battery pack in which you can use AA batteries. I've got one in service now that's lasted 3 years, been launched across the cabin many times, been rained and sprayed but never immersed and is still workin'. Oh, and they are available in white and black, I like white because I can find it better.

[Quickstep192]

I have the Icom IC-M32LI which I believe is a West Marine exclusive. It has rechargeable lithium ion batteries and also has a battery pack that takes regular AAA batteries. It works well and the li-ion batteries seem to last forever. It replaced another Icom that was lost overboard. The floating M34 wasn't around when I bought mine, but if I were shopping now, it would probably be my choice.

[kd3pc]

ICOM all the way

dave

[TrueBlue]

Look no further than ICOM. We have the IC-M72 and have tried, but can't find any way to improve upon it.