handheld vhf - The Hull Truth

gi joe · 03-22-2009, 01:27 PM

Gotta get one. Lookin for references, I guess. I know I want one that floats, and is waterproof. Not sure if I want to shell out the bucks for the new Standard Horizon with the built in GPS, but maybe. Anybody got experience in this arena? Thanks.

slief · 03-22-2009, 01:41 PM

I just bought a new hand held for the ditch bag. In my case, the hand held is for emergencies. . For me, there were no questions.. Standard Horizon DSC with GPS... Its a pretty nice radio too! Comes with AC and DC (cigarette lighter) charging connections with a mountable cradle. Well worth the additional expense for the piece of mind. BOE was the best price I found.

DarthBaiter · 03-23-2009, 11:30 AM

Get the GPS unit from SH. I have one and while it id abit bulku and sits in my hands a little awkard, but the GPS and DSC function is well worth it.

chicken of the sea · 03-23-2009, 12:22 PM

If you are going to use it in a ditch bag you want to make sure it is waterproof and that it has the ability to run on batteries. I have two in my ditchbag one rechargeable and one that runs on aa batteries. I bought a tray that allows me to use aa batteries with the rechargeable unit as well.

cemiii · 03-24-2009, 05:08 PM

I have the new SH HX850S. It's a nice radio. (I don't think the strobe would be much good finding you at sea in the dark. It's like a single blinking lcd that's recessed far enough that you'd have to point it at someone who was looking for a tiny light nearby). Certainly not going to flag in a rescue copter! But the GPS is great. Any specific questions?

Found one on the web and then went to WestM who will price match. $205.

Chris