hotshot Posted September 3, 2006 Report Posted September 3, 2006 (edited) I'm thinking of buying a handheld VHF radio - possibly at Southampton Show - any recommendations, please? I believe Practical Boat Owner did a comparison in Feb 2006 issue, but I missed it - does anyome have a copy, please (or able to post the "winner's" make/ model)? Thanks, Dave. Edited September 3, 2006 by hotshot Quote
Paul D Posted September 3, 2006 Report Posted September 3, 2006 Dave, If you can fit a fixed VHF radio then that is the best route to take first. Your transmissions will then be heard by many more boats than when using a handheld. Quote
gaffa Posted September 3, 2006 Report Posted September 3, 2006 Dave, Managed to dig out the PBO FEB 2006 article on handheld vhf's. Outcome was in favour of either the Raymarine RAY101E or the Icom M31 They were quoting prices of Quote
duncan Posted September 4, 2006 Report Posted September 4, 2006 Dave, I would echo the benefits of a fixed unit on even v small boats. The other great advantage is price - a 'cheap' fixed unit should deliver fine but I would go for the more expensive end on handhelds - better waterproofing, shock resistance and, critically, a good Li Ion battery. My Icom Euro 1V was fully charged 4 years ago and has been used on and off since that time, always on the boat, often chucked in the tender/beach bag etc and still runs fine! It's also very clear. 2 previous ones lasted less just over a year each before battery problems / lack of holding charge. Just my 2p Quote
Newboy Posted September 4, 2006 Report Posted September 4, 2006 Fixed unit everytime. A good fixed one would only cost around Quote
TomBettle Posted September 4, 2006 Report Posted September 4, 2006 Ideally have a fixed unit as your main unit and then a hand held purely for emergency back-up. When buying fixed there are many brands on the market and all do a reasonable job, however make sure you have a large and easy to ready screen and knobs / buttons which are easy to work when bouncing around on the briney. The primary purpose of your VHF is to call help in an emergency. Buying a "cheap" VHF to save a few pounds realy is false economy if you can't read the display or use the functions easily when yuo most need it to work. Quote
Paul J Posted September 5, 2006 Report Posted September 5, 2006 We have an Icom handheld up for grabs as a prize on the open Comp Buy a Fixed set then enter the Comp on Nov 12th PJ Quote
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