RE: VHF Waterproof radio

Hi NCKA Brothers,

It seems that after some month of doing mostly ocean kayaking that most of you have some kind of VHF Marine Radios. It seems that getting the floatable water proof kind is the way to go.

I checked Cabellas and they have a new model Uniden Altlantis 270 Handheld Floating VHF Radio for $99.99.

I am attaching a copy of the radio and brief specs.

I am thinking about buying this. Does this seem like a good buy?

Thanks,

Michael (Da Bruddah)

I've always had good luck buying from Westmarine. Here's a link below.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SiteSearch?storeId=11151&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&pageSize=10&beginIndex=0&sType=SimpleSearch&searchTermScope=3&Ns=Most+Popular|0&keyword=hand+held+vhf+radio

I don't know much about these units because they are newer and float.

We have a nickname for Uniden. We call it Unicrap. I've seen many of these get water in them very quickly. Their mics and speakers are also of inferior quality. Westmarine brand is a relabeled uniden. I would recommend Standard Horizon. They tend to have good waterproofing. Don't try and save $20 by getting an inferior brand radio that you may have to rely on to save your life...

I abuse the hell out of my horizons they always work

I bought a pair of floating marine vhf from Uniden with a charging base...they lasted my first season and worked excellent for my close to shore trips for about 70 bucks they were GREAT..I did have to send one back(three weeks to get back) which they replaced and claimed both have a 3 year warranty...they were under 100 so that was why I bought them ,to trim cost this first season..they will now be my back ups and for when I bring a second/or thrid person out on my spare kayak as  two way radios......but Standard Horizon is what I should have bought...although it would not have been a pair which we needed at first...I am buying one soon for sure...the unidens have crackly sound sometimes and crystal clear sound other times...leaves me wondering if I'm getting called or not...

There was a post awhile back about a handheld (Standard Horizon I believe) that had 6 watts of power at max setting and also had a built in gps that would give your position in an emergency.  It wasn't cheap, but in an emergency it would be priceless.  I think it was about $249.00.  I have a standard horizon, and an ICOM, both have held up well.

I had a Uniden that lasted for a few years before a bit of condensation got in the Aquapac I had it in.  After that I switched to cobra.  The best deal around is two small waterproof Cobras for $79 - they work well, and it's nice to have a spare or loaner.  Not sure if they float...

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Cobra-MR-HH125-Handheld-VHF-Radio-Value-Pack&i=611322&r=view&cvsfa=2586&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=363131333232

I have been using a Standard Horizon for 5 years and it has been wet in the salt many times.  A simple fresh water rinse and dry and it's good to go again.  I wouldn't consider any other brand based  on my experience with their product.

We have a nickname for Uniden. We call it Unicrap. I've seen many of these get water in them very quickly. Their mics and speakers are also of inferior quality. Westmarine brand is a relabeled uniden. I would recommend Standard Horizon. They tend to have good waterproofing. Don't try and save $20 by getting an inferior brand radio that you may have to rely on to save your life...

I agree w/ sharky. Might be ok for back up but might save your life some day & if you use it a lot you might want to go for better one for little more money.
I have icom for over 7yrs. Strong radio & the battery last long time (many trips) but my model IM-34 (floating model) have battery problem http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=14422.msg135503#msg135503. Still works great tho!

I've seen some people having problem w/ their Westmarine one (Glen), now I see why...

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the feedback for the VHF Marine Radio. You have convinced me not to get a cheaper radio like the Uniden. West Marine has a Standard Horizon new mode HX851 with GPS locater and other extras for $249 with a $30 rebate.
Looks like when I get some cash soon, that's the one I'll probably get.

If anyone would like to look at it and give some feedback about what you think, that would be great.

Mahalo,

Michael (Da Bruddah)

+1 on the standard horizon. I have the non-floating, non-gps version and it has been used constantly for over 5 years without a problem.
I keep mine clipped to my PFD so it is always out & exposed to salt water. A fresh water rinse is all the maintenance I have had to do to it.

Standard Horizon and Icom seems like on the top of the list. I've had my icom m-72 per the recommendation of some people here for a few years now. Battery life is great and still running strong. Pretty compact also. Downside is the price. I have few friends who has standard horizon, but mine would outlast their battery. Maybe something to do with their unit having a GPS feature which I don't care much for since I always fish with buddies and I have GPS in my FF.

I bought my Standard Horizon HX850S floating VHF radio with built in GPS 4 years ago, and it is still going strong. The only part I had to replace during that time was the AC/DC adapter for the charger. The battery will last 2 days on a full charge.

Buy the best one you can afford. Your VHF isn't where you want to save a few bucks. Buy it on sale at west marine and get the extended warranty. If you want maximum reliability and longevity, use a VHF dry bag. I've owned them all and Standard Horizon and Icom are top of the line. As Herb mentioned, Icoms have slightly better battery life. The inexpensive Unidens have microphones which don't work well when wet. Not good for kayakers because if we are calling the pan pan pan, we are probably in the water. I have an old Uniden which I don't use anymore and have thought about giving it away but didn't want a brother to get into trouble and have it fail.