capemaychef

I am currently looking into Icom's M2A and new M72 handheld for a backup...I like the M2A , but there is a new one out for 06 Icom M72 that has 6 watts and is submersible, where the M2A is just "waterproof". The up side to the M72 is it is submersible, and has 6 watts, the upside to the M2A is its a bit cheaper and can be ran off of Akaline AA's where the M72 is Li-ion battery. Will the extra watt make that big of a difference? I was wondering if anyone has any experiance with either of these and which would you choose and why? I appreciate it, thanks.

Five Seas

I don't think the watt will make much of a difference. It's still going to be line of sight off the rubber antennae to whomever your speaking with. As a back up you could carry a sleeve of AA batteries. But, can you recharge the M72 while on-board? If the radio is not going into a dinghy or being used off your vessel. You could also buy a second fixed mount for the boat as a backup. Just need to also run a second power line. I'm sorry I didn't give you an answer, just more options.

Team Ruby

I recently replaced my old handheld with the new M72 for the very reason you have mentioned, water tight. I bought it for my ditch bag, peace of mind should I ever had to go overboard with it, I know it will work. As for charging it, I charge it the night before a trip unless I know it has a fresh charge already on it.
Team Ruby

Birdman

Forget the 1 watt, that will do nothing for you.

I would get the M1v, which you didn't even mention. It has a Lion battery that lasts forever, has lots of features, is small, is submersable, and best of all, has been on sale the last two months for about 1/2 of it's normal cost. Probably because it will be replaced and not longer sold soon (that's my guess). But that is a GREAT buy right now.

doolittle3701

Wher have you seen the M1v on sale for 1/2 price?

Birdman

All over the place. Just about every online and store I've been too. I bought mine for about $300 if I remember correctly. They are $159 with sales and rebates currently. That is a killer deal.

Barba

Check this out,

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...4&classNum=542

Barba

This site is good as well for all marine electronics,

http://store.marine-radio-store.com/ichahevhfra.html

Barba

Don't forget for Icom M72 and M32 you can use alcaline batteries if you buy extra battery tray.

doolittle3701

How about one of the StandardHorizon hendhelds for this application, or are the ICOMS just soo much better?

NauticalSmiles

I have a SH handheld and it works great. Mine has a built in FM radio, so I can listen to tunes while I'm putting around on the dinghy.

I am thinking about the Uniden Mystic. I got lost last year while exploring.

north coast

fwiw-- had a bad experience with standard horizon. payed something like $375.oo for a HH unit claimed to be waterproof.After about 7 months, the little hole where you put the charging jack rotted out. sent it back, and it came back repaired with a bill for $100.00 !! when I asked what was up. I was told the "the radio was guaranteed waterproof not the battery" WEAK!

also, fwiw. my current hard wired Icom is going on it's 5th year flawlessly .I love Icom