Recommendations for handheld VHF?

PBzeer · #1 (**permalink**) 12-14-2002

Looking to get a handheld VHF for lake use, and as a backup when I move to a bigger boat. Any suggestions?

ray1248 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-15-2002

Just got the ICOM IC-M2A. Very happy with it. Totally water proof, let''s you use AA batteries as well as the rechargeable pack and has more features than you''ll ever need for about $150. Sail net was featuring it in their latest mailing. Good luck, Ray

hamiam · #3 (**permalink**) 12-16-2002

I have the same ICON radio and I love it. It has all the needed features, a compact size, great battery life, and it is waterproof.

petercra · #4 (**permalink**) 12-16-2002

I just bought an Icom IC-M1V which was top rated by Practical Sailor in its May 1, 2002 issue. It''s waterproof and has a Lithium Ion battery. Most other handhelds seem to still be using Ni Cad batteries which have long been rejected for cell phones and laptops. Ni Cads just don''t have the life, especially if you charge them too often, or for too long. It gets expensive to be replacing these custom batteries all of the time.

I''m very pleased with the quality and features on mine (haven''t tested the waterproofing yet!). However, it comes only with an a.c. charger (pretty useless on a boat used for cruising). Rather than shell out $25 for a d.c. cable, I got one at Radio Shack for less than $10.

The IC-M1V is expensive, but the price recently came down about $25, and it''s worth the approximately $200 they go for at discount.

RichardElliott · #5 (**permalink**) 12-17-2002

If you have only occasional use and, hence are not worried about Ni-Cads or waterproofness, the Humminbird works fine for less than $100.

goduke · #6 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002

I asked a friend who is a harbor pilot this same question a few years ago. He said they have used ICOMs as long as he can remember. If its good enough for them......

jklewissf · #7 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002

having a hand held that can take standard AA batteries is a big convenience. If you sail offshore it would be a good thing to keep in your abandon ship kit, along with several sets of batteries.

I read a book a long time ago about a guy who sat in his life raft and watched ships steam by because his rechargable hand held vhf needed charging.