Portable VHF radio

Luis

Member
Nov 2, 2020
53
Baltimore, MD
Boat Info
1996 330 Sundance
Engines
Twin mercruiser
Hello,
I’m looking into purchasing a portable vhf radio. Can anyone recommend a good quality/daily priced one? I have looked online, but who can trust the reviews nowadays?
Thanks!
 
I have a Standard Horizon with built in GPS, Have had it for several years, works great. I also have a barebones Uniden Atlantis that I have had for probably 15 or more years, still working and looking good. Standard Horizon, ICOM or Uniden would be the brands I would look at.
 
I've had an Icom handheld for probably 10 years that is rarely turned on but used as a backup to my backup. The battery stays charged for years. All of my VHF's are Icom.
 
This is my backup for the last 3.5 years.... It floats if you drop it. https://www.thegpsstore.com/Standar...jhWOJjBpsBBEYTo7PaqnSuYRp40oiiBBoC5-AQAvD_BwE
Standard-Horizon-HX210-B.jpg
 
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I have always favored Uniden, they made most of the radios on the ships in WWII, from what I've read. I have their first submersible got to be close to 20yrs old now. Still works great, I keep it in the dinghy. I am on my third dinghy and still the same hand held ...
 
I can also attest to the HX210. I have had it for a few years now and it works well.
 
I believe the 210 is the 6 watt unit.
 
I have the floating Uniden as well. We actually use ours quite a bit when we are locking through we use our hand helds to talk boat to boat and our dash radio to talk to the Lock Master, keeps everything simple.
 
I like SH870 for the features and quality. Unfortunately it takes a PHD to figure out how to use it. Not the best in terms of intuitiveness. Thinking about "downgrading" to an Icom.
 
I personally use a cobra handheld, similar features to the standard horizon.

I'm curious, has anyone gone out and range checked their handheld? Since VHF is line of sight, I suspect the range is little more than 8-10 miles, but I've never checked mine. Obviously if it were higher, the further the range. If at water level, i'd imagine the range couldn't be more than 5 miles....but still better than yelling.
 
You guys with these handhelds that are 10-20 years old.

How long does the battery last? Original? Replaced?

5 minutes of transmission time won’t be much help in an emergency.
 
You guys with these handhelds that are 10-20 years old.

How long does the battery last? Original? Replaced?

5 minutes of transmission time won’t be much help in an emergency.
The battery in my Icom lasted at least 15 years. The antenna busted and was out of production, so I upgraded to the DSC-enabled Standard Horizon. The batter on the SH feels like it lasts forever on standby.
 
My Uniden is still on the same battery and operates on 1 to 2 charges a season and is used a dozen or so times a season. Dinghy to boat at night when taking my lab Cody to the beach before turning in.
 

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