Best deal on a VHF Water proof Radio?

Hi Yaker:

          Is the West Marine VHF55 the best deal around?
                                                                     Thanks
                                                                     Ernie
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/241602/377%20710%201399/0/Handheld%20VHF%20Radios/Primary%20Search/mode%20matchallpartial/0/0?N=377%20710%201399&Ne=0&Ntt=Handheld%20VHF%20Radios&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&page=CategoryDisplayLevel1&isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=5003&subdeptNum=3&classNum=542

That looks like a pretty good deal for a small JIS-7 waterproof marine VHF radio.  I wish they would specify what the transmit and receive powers were so you could get a feel for its useful range.  As for the reviews on the West Marine site, it seems the biggest complaint was a lack of a lanyard (or any place to attach one for that matter).

Brian

Hi BSTEVE:

           It lookes like a good Deal and I think West Marine wants you to buy a Waterproof  Pouch which, is not a deal breaker.
           I Kayak alone and, I'm REALLY dumb for not having a Radio!
                                                                    Thanks
                                                                    Ernie
                                                   
                                                         

 Seems like a good price.  I would inspect it for any kind of leash attachment though. My Voyager, had both a clip and lanyard which I attached a small clip to and use it to leash to my PFD.  I really don't care for a "water proof" pouch.

Troy

If it's truly JIS-7 waterproof (i.e. submersible for 30 mins at 1 meter deep), it is basically as waterproof as everyone else's VHF radios and shouldn't need the water proof pouch.  The size and weight are equivalent to the Uniden Voyager that many members here seem to really like.  Then again, the Uniden Voyager can be had for only about $20 more online and comes with the recommendation of many others here.

I myself have an ICOM, it has been a solid performing radio, but it's much bigger.

Brian

I think I've seen them go on sale for ~$100 if you're not in a hurry.

Also ... don't trust the  JIS-7.  They may start out that way, but West Marine did some testing and I don't think they found a VHF that stayed waterproof.  I talked to the product tester some year back and this is what he told me.  Hence, they recommend a waterproof pouch for pretty much all the VHF's.  That being said, I don't use the pouch anymore and I do have one of my VHF's on the fritz after a couple years service (which doesn't seem that bad to me considering the use it has had).

-Allen

I bought a pouch along with my Uniden and have always used it.  I was wary of saltwater causing corrosion - warranty or no, it's a pain in the butt to deal with.  Also, the pouch will make the unit float.  I don't leash it to me, I just have it handy and figure it'll be right there when/if I dump and need it. 

Life changes for the better when you start rolling with a VHF on Big Blue.  I can't believe I went so many years w/o it!

Eric     

More expensive but ICOM 88 for about 180.

http://www.boatersland.com/icom88.html

minus

http://www.westmarine.com/rebates/Icom%20SpringSavings%20Large%20Coupon_030308%20thru%20053108.pdf

equals

180.00 ish.

-Brian G

More expensive but ICOM 88 for about 180.

I LLUUUUUVV my IC - M88.  Wouldn't trade it for the world.  I charged the battery for the first time after my last trip so it went 6 or 7 trips without a recharge.  Small and lightweight.  I also got the microphone attachment so it NEVER leaves my PFD.  It's nice having the microphone at my ear and not having to fumble around with the actual VHF.

I'll admit it was a little pricey but for something that could potentially save my life, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.  Granted other VHFs will do the same thing but all of the afforementioned points really make me glad that I purchased it.

Several others on the board also have the M88 and I believe they also like it.

Michael

I also have the ICOM, it is waterproof and floats, (so they say) has a great battery life and easy to use.
I got it at West Marine  and I remember it to be less than $150


Stoggie

I also have the ICOM, it is waterproof and floats

Different ICOM I believe.  I think you're talking about the M34 whereas the one above is the M88.  The M88 is smaller but doesn't float.

Michael

More expensive but ICOM 88 for about 180.

I also got the microphone attachment so it NEVER leaves my PFD.  It's nice having the microphone at my ear and not having to fumble around with the actual VHF.

I have thought about getting the remote MIC for my M34.  I saw it in one of your 'football trout' pics and thought it looked awesome!  Where did you get it from?  I ordered my radio from some shifty website with the lowest price, and doubt I will ever contact them again.  Would WM carry it?

 I'm used to using hand-held mics with my HAM radio H/t's and perfer them over having to pick up the radio,but not having any luck locating a handheld mic for my Voyager.  (Just started looking though.) Not to serious about getting one right now, but I wiill eventually. 

Troy

I'm not going to advise anyone on which radio to buy.

I can't believe that Eric/Abking has survived so long going solo without a radio.

He also goes without sonar/fishfinder.  Eric; please think of your family.

I always carry a waterproof radio.

I haven't had to use my radio so far in an emergency, but I know how.

As Swellrider/Hawk once said, if I am in an emergency, then I've already done something wrong.

The fun thing about having a radio is that we can go on channel 69 and say neat stuff and keep in touch with each other:

"Hello.  This is Matt on the small kayak HobieSport at Van Damme.   Is there anyone from NCKA around here?

Do you have some visibility?  I notice some abs.  I caught a legal crab.

What do you mean that Mooch doesn't dive.

Over."

Would WM carry it?

If by WM you mean West Marine and not Wal Mart, yes!     They usually have to order them but it only took a week or so.  It was a bit pricey, maybe $70 or so but I can't imagine life on the water without it.

Michael