Waterproof handheld marine radio?

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> 10 years ago

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BWDave

VIC

239 posts

BWDave

VIC, 239 posts

7 Apr 2011 4:40pm

I am looking for a radio for sailing and paddling hence waterproof and light with good range is what I need.
Any suggestions
Dave

Ramona

NSW

7757 posts

Ramona

NSW, 7757 posts

7 Apr 2011 6:15pm

BWDave said...

I am looking for a radio for sailing and paddling hence waterproof and light with good range is what I need.
Any suggestions
Dave

I have Uniden submersible VHF. They are about $200 and I'm surprised how effective it is. Range is limited to line of sight so being in a canoe is a problem. From my cockpit it is reliable for 10 miles or so but I often hear stations further off, marine rescue stations are often on higher ground.

Lots of good radios around now so we are spoiled for choice.

Poodle

868 posts

Poodle

WA, 868 posts

8 Apr 2011 9:38am

We have a Cobra Submersible MR HH325 in the cockpit as a back-up. Good for about 8-9nm (line of sight).

BWDave

VIC

239 posts

BWDave

VIC, 239 posts

9 Apr 2011 7:57am

Thanks for the input. Seems about 10 miles is max range, which is OK as long as you know.
Dave

Poodle

868 posts

Poodle

WA, 868 posts

9 Apr 2011 10:33am

10nm would be "best case", and that would be in calm conditions, talking to a mast head or other elevated aerial. VHF is mostly line of site. Your hand held trasmit at about 5W max (25W for fixed VHF), and under more trying conidiotns - When you may need to use it to call for help - Expcect to have less than 10nm range.

However, in a coastal situation with good covergae - no hills / mountains, I'd pick a VHF over a mobile phone or epirb any day ;-)

Poods

MorningBird

NSW

2711 posts

MorningBird

NSW, 2711 posts

10 Apr 2011 11:02pm

I bought a Uniden MHS450 on eBay from overseas. A great little unit, I can talk to Sydney from off Pittwater if I stand on the deck, not sure of the distance cos I don't know where exactly the repeater is. Battery lasts forever. Cost was about $180-200.

NightCap

NSW

25 posts

NightCap

NSW, 25 posts

11 Apr 2011 12:44pm

The yanks reckon Standard Horizon are becoming the best HH VHF manufacturers, & they certainly are priced well, when purchased from overseas, ie USA.
Anyone got a Standard Horizon HH VHF & can comment?
cheers

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