VHF Radio Suggestions

I don't have one yet so I'm looking for suggestions.

Things to look for , brands, specific models, etc.

Thanks in advance,

dale

VHF55 from West Marine ... on sale now for $119.99 ... http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/241602/377%20710/0/vhf55/Primary%20Search/mode%20matchallpartial/0/0?N=377%20710&Ne=0&Ntt=vhf55&Ntk=Primary%20Search&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Nao=0&Ns=0&keyword=vhf55&isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=5003&subdeptNum=3&classNum=542

I use this one and it's predecessor, the VHF50 and have no problems with either of them.  Small, lightweight, knobless, waterproof, good battery life ... gets the job done.

-Allen

If you want the best, in a small waterproof package, and if you don't mind paying for it, the Icom M-88 is da kine!

If you are on a budget this isn't the radio for you...

http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/marine/handhelds/m88/default.aspx

http://www.buyreliant.com/marine/voyager.htm $140
Uniden Voyager. In the process of gearing up, fishing, and gearing down I abuse the heck out of my gear and it's hung in there.

Z

Another vote for the Voyager.  It's a good tuff radio, and small enough I don't think about it til I hear someone calling.

I like the West Marine VHF-150.  Metal case and JIS-7 submersable.  About $150

another uniden voyager here

I have a West Marine.  It is supposed to be waterproof but I put it in a waterproof case made for it (was included due to a couple being returned for not being waterproof).  I have 2 kids and the waterproof bag helps make sure I come home to them.

Just took my standard horizon hx741 out on Saturday for the first time and it worked like charm. Very small compared to other vhf's I've seen. I like that it has metal casing. Seems very sturdy.

FF

I use this one and it's predecessor, the VHF50 and have no problems with either of them

Scratch this comment.  Today I had transmitter problems on the VHF50.  Of course it's like 3-4 years old now.

-Allen

2 Uniden Voyagers...always need a back-up.  Or your 

Ken kickfish

Thanks for all the info, I put this up on my last day at work and then went on the planned (six months ago) trip to Van damme. Of course the planned fishing  got cut except for Sept 30. one gorgeous day, then the ocean kicked up anyway, got in one ab dive later in the week, for some of the fattest 8 inchers I've ever seen.  5 full pounds of clean meat from 3 abs.

Again thanks to all for the info, Christmas is coming.

dale

VHF55 from West Marine ... on sale now for $119.99 ... http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/241602/377%20710/0/vhf55/Primary%20Search/mode%20matchallpartial/0/0?N=377%20710&Ne=0&Ntt=vhf55&Ntk=Primary%20Search&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Nao=0&Ns=0&keyword=vhf55&isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=5003&subdeptNum=3&classNum=542

Price went down to $99.99.  I bought one today to replace the one that went out on me last week.

-Allen

I have had the same standard horizon for 8 years now. I dont have the model # handy. It is the one Spud point marina uses and is a proven unit. Those guys kick em, throw em , drop em in the water with no problems.

Sherm
 

Me too on the Voyager.  Will have at Del Valle this weekend.