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I have a KW Dc that doesn't lend itself well to mounting a marine vhf radio. I have been through 2 Unidens in 2 yrs due to water intrusion. The current mount is on the side of the boat near the ignition switch (facing upwards). My question is should I try a 3 one or go with a handheld vhf?
Are handhelds as good? The handhelds I've seen have 1 and 5 watt outputs vs 1 and 25 watt outputs for a mounted one. What do you exactly lose by goig from 25 watts to 5 watts? Do any of you use handhelds? Some new mounted models claim to be submersible, I could try one of the Raymarine, Icom, or Standard Horizon submersible models. What do you think?
Thanks!
Try this post on the Electronics forum. Also, do a search within the same forum, as there have been many threads on this topic.
FWIW, I bought an ICOM M1V handheld for use as a (second) backup and to pick up the weather reports from home. I really like it. Standard Horizon has some handhelds that people report they like also. You are going to loose a fair amount of distance with a handheld, but that may not matter depending on where you use it.
On the KW 2020DC we install the Icom 45. We flushmount it just below the instrument panel on the narrow flat surface above the footrest opening. The added feature is that the off-white & blue colors match the KW colors nicely. I don't think I have any photo's, but I'll look.
Packfan, tell us where you typically boat. If you stay nearshore (or ICW or sounds) then a handheld will probably be OK for you. If you venture a bit further out, then a fixed mount with antenna is the best bet. VHF communications has a line-of-sight phenomenon, so it's not just a power question....you have to consider antenna type, height, etc.
Follow the advice to search the site for prior discussions. I think it can be summarized as (1) the lesser power of the handheld is not a material limiting factor as your range is going to be limited by your antenna; (2) however, if you are transmitting near a more powerful permanent unit it may "walk" all over your signal and prevent you from getting through, which could be a problem in an emergency; (3) unless you stay really close to shore and carry fresh batteries as a backup, a handheld is not a good substitute for a mounted radio, although it is a great idea to carry one as a backup; (4) your range will depend on your antenna, and particularly how high the antenna is above the water; (5) even if you plug the handheld into an antenna on your boat, its performance probably won't be as good as a permanent mount because the handheld's circuitry is designed primarily for use through the built-in antenna; and (6) the handheld won't sound as clear because the speaker is designed to withstand submersion (I was surprised how much less clear in on the water use).
You should be able to find a fairly water-resistant permanent mount radio. Many people are very happy with and recommend ICOM, with Standard Horizon coming in next. On handhelds, the preference seems to be Standard Horizon then ICOM.
Perhaps you could adapt a plastic or large ziploc bag to mostly cover the radio and reduce the amount of moisture getting on it. Personally, I would try a different brand of radio - ICOM or Standard Horizon.
For the ultimate in reliability, a fixed mount will be your best choice. It's hard to find fault with an ICOM 45, they are extemely compact, extremely weather proof, and super reliable. They are also very precise tuners and transceivers. Crystal clear reception, even with low gain antennas. I have a 3db 3 foot stainless whip, and the radio does a great job with it. The ICOM also offers DSC, a service that is not everywhere, but will be soon. You hit a button on the radio, and a distress signal is sent, along with your position (provided by your GPS). I set this up in my boat, simple as pie. You also get five times the power, and the boat's electrical bus for power. You can set this whole system up for around $300.
That said, I wouldn't hesitate to spend another $300 on a good handheld, especially if you fish far from shore or in far flung locales. You can't go wrong considering the ICOM product in this segment, either. The Standards are also very reputable, and very compact to boot.
You can't put a price on good comm, but for a meager $300 you can have a fixed mount ICOM and antenna that will give you the peace of mind that you are equipped with world class electronics.
Check out the JRC fixed mount with DSC for under $100 on the www.Boatfix.com homepage. Its toward the bottom. There is also a $25 rebate. I don't know anything about JRC products but this is supposedly an end of model line clearance, a DSC VHF for around $74 after rebate may be worth a try.
Handheld vs mounted vhf marine radio 
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