VHF Radios

Did a search for the topic, then went to West Marine at lunch.

I've seen thumbs up for the Standard Horizon 460 (WM had the HX270S), the Uniden Voyager, and the West Marine 55 / 150.

Anybody have any NEGATIVE feed-back on any of these. So far, from reading past posts from y'all, all three seem like very good choices and are reasonably priced.

One possible advantage of the Voyager = lithium ion batteries.

Molto Grazie!

The only negative I see on the Uniden Voyager (which I currently have) is that you need to marine goop the mic. port cause the rubber cover easily comes off. That's of course if you don't intend to use the mic. port. (this was actually suggested by Erik K.)

I really dig the size/weight of this particular VHF - compared to the rest.

I was in the Oakland store today and I did a search online. I found a West Marine VHF50 and a West Marine VHF150. Where are you guys seeing this 50/100?

I agree with Blue... I like the Voyager but you do have to be a little careful about water intrusion.

I like the fact that the West marine models have no twirl type knobs... but rather push buttons for everything.  Much better... the twirl knobs on the voyager get difficult to turn after a little corrosion sets in.  Difficult to turn just the volume or just the squelch knob independantly... takes two hands.

Erik

KzReelRod is right about the knobs. I have the turn type and they're a pain in the a$$.

I got the voyager for Christmas.  I like the size to price ratio and the warranty seamed decent it is a flat rate after a certain point.  I can fit into the pocket of my pfd wich is a plus.  I may get a dry bag for it to keep it from corroding.

I will say that Uniden stands by their products.  My Voyager died on me once and Uniden repaired it and sent it back with no hassles at all.  This was before I plugged the Mic port with silicone... water got in there after having been muched in the surf at Linda Mar a couple times causting it to just turn on and make a constant beeping sound.  It's all better now, and since I plugged the mic port with silicone, I haven't had a water problem. 

Cobra also stands by it's products. I had a slight water intrusion prob and they replaced it no questions asked.

I was given a Humminbird md55s Marine radio, it says it submersible up to 1 meter for 30min. The only thing is
it's a little bigger than I would like, but it fits in my farmer john waders hand warmer pouch ok. It scans the weather channels too.

Craig

Thanks for the feedback everybody. I felt left out yesterday when everyone was chatting on their fancy radios....lol. 

Yea, I was feeling the same. I need to get a radio and I need to get the GPS attachment for my fishfinder.

Besides, its REALLY great to be able to chat with the nice folks at the Coast Guard too...but you don't want to miss out on Mooch's jokes either.

Yea, I was feeling the same. I need to get a radio and I need to get the GPS attachment for my fishfinder.

Hey Dave - West Marine has the VHF50 on sale for $119.99 right now!

I REALLY want the ICOM M72, but it's $200. 

Can you hook up a hands free celphone earpiece to any of these radios?  I'd think doing that and keeping the radio bagged and in a pocket would be the ideal way of protecting it from saltwater. 

No, but a few offer a remote mic/speaker option which would be close.