Handheld VHF Radios

If you're looking for a serious piece of equipment that's built to last don't overlook the Voyager.

Some advice for the Voyager (from my own experience).

Plug the microphone port with marine silicone if you don't intend to use it.   This port is an easy path for water to intrude into the radio.  Also, use some silicone grease and lube up the knobs well.  Pull the knobs off and lube the mechanism... then put the knobs back on.  With a little salt residue in that mechanism, it becomes very difficult to turn just one or the other of the knobs without using two hands.

I've had my Voyager for a couple of years.  It died on me once... basically the volume/squelch knob assembly stopped working.  I sent it back and it was repaired for no charge under warranty.  

Also... before I plugged the microphone port with silicone, I had the radio submerged for several minutes when getting slammed coming into the beach at linda mar.  It stopped working for me for a few weeks.  Once everything dried out... it worked fine again.   But lesson learned... it is not immune to water intrusion.  If you plan on taking a swim (accidentally or otherwise) put it below deck or get a bag for it.

Otherwise it's a good radio.

Erik

she went in to boat r us theay match the west marine price off the internet
west marine in boat r us are the same company but if you are in the market for just one go 2 west marine in oakland ask for the bargin basement they have this room in the back with all kind of  last years model below wholesale got ff from here maxtric 25 reg price
279$ got it for 149$ cheack it out

I bought one for myself a week or two ago.
Bought the WM VHF100 for $95.

Thanks for the info.

Thanks for the heads-up, Erik. I'll take your advice and get it plugged.

Just an FYI for all regarding the submersibility of these handhelds.......NONE OF THEM ARE SUBMERSIBLE! Dunk them good and plan on utilizing the warranty. The better ones offer 3 years submersible warranties and all of them admit to replacing lots of radios! Uniden has their Radio Life Insurance which is an automatic deal. If after the warranty expires and your radio croaks, for $49.95 you'll get it repaired or replaced.

Just an FYI for all regarding the submersibility of these handhelds.......NONE OF THEM ARE SUBMERSIBLE! Dunk them good and plan on utilizing the warranty. The better ones offer 3 years submersible warranties and all of them admit to replacing lots of radios! Uniden has their Radio Life Insurance which is an automatic deal. If after the warranty expires and your radio croaks, for $49.95 you'll get it repaired or replaced.

This is true... however there are different shades of gray to consider.  JIS7 is the most common water resistence rating that you see... that's what the Voyager is rated for.  This rating means that it passed the 3-foot for 30 minute submersibility test.  I don't believe this takes into account the effects of salt on the components though... and I definitely would not call these units waterproof... water resistent maybe.

JIS8 is a slightly better rating... that means it passed the 5-feet of water for 30 minutes test... a bit more water resistent.  I think one of the lower priced West Marine models offers JIS8 submersibility rating... as does that new Pentax Optio camera that Joel has.  Still wouldn't plan to dunk it for any extended period of time, but a JIS8 radio would probably come out better than a JIS7.

EK

Thanks for the great tips on closing up the water entry points Eric.

Pat

One of the biggest things peoplek forget about VHF radios....they don't float! I have a waterproof bag for Jis7 Icom, and also keep it snapped to my vest.  They make floater cases. A great investment for 10 bucks!
Doesn't matter if its waterproof if you sink it.

-Brian

I have a Standard Horizon HX370S and I am pretty happy with it.

All handhelds suffer from limited range due to lack of power.  (and a sub optimal antenae)

I don't count on more than a mile or two.

MolBasser

I have what Erik uses - Uniden Voyager - I also sealed the mic port with goop....and have had no problems with it so far. Definitely get a dry bag to stow it in when landing your yak on the beach.

what she did was print the ad of the net from west marine site then took it in to boat are us the same company i need one for my girl  is the reason i got the twin pack will try them out at mendo will let you know how they are
west marine in Oakland has a bargain basement last year model of ff gps vhf so give it a try will save you some money

I broke down and bought a VHF and a new fish finder last week. I had a very good experience dealing with a fellow in Carson City Nev. I saw info in one of the earlier posts to the forum. His business goes by the name of " Daves Marine "  Goggle him with Daves Marine he uses BrokenLegDave in his Email.
I bought a Standard Horizon HS471 SS for $ 248.99 and a Hummingbird matrix 17 for 167.00 The delivery was the fastest I have ever experienced for about $ 8.00 freight the order was called in by 9:30 Am and the package was setting on my porch before 1:00PM the next day. He is in Carson City but the drop ship warehouse is in New Jersey. New Jersey to Cal over night that is hard to beat. This guy has a big selection and fair prices and is nice to deal with. I just thought I would pass it along for what it is worth

EX-KMA628                                                                    
                                                                                TomB