Floating Handheld VHF

Rono007

Rono007

New Member
Dec 17, 2009
796
Danbury, CT
Boat Info
2001 SR 230BR Signature Series
Engines
7.4L Bravo III
Being new to boating, I have a question regarding VHF radios. We will primarily boat on a freshwater lake (Candlewood Lake in CT) and I would like to carry a handheld VHF for emergencies and ensure it is a floating VHF in case it goes overboard.

That said, I am looking here:
http://www.iboats.com/Marine-Handhe...egory.t--session_id.471409158--view_id.248105

I am torn at which model, etc. I would like to stay under $200 (maybe even $150) and get the most bang for my buck.

I looked at and searched the other threads on this subject and I am still at a loss.

Any opinions/suggestions?

Thanks in advance.
 
Check with BOE at the top of the page,I bought a Standard Horizon HX850S from them.

This is Jim from BOE's web site.
 
I got it from iboats actually, solely because I had a 10% promo code ($175 w/ discount).

Being that I'm doing lake boating in CT, I don't need the power of a fixed mount. Even if I go in the salt, I will never be far offshore in my size boat with kids. I wanted to keep the boat clean and have fewer things mounted, as well as I have a couple of other friends who boat on the lake who have no radio as well! This way I can carry mine along if need be.

Hope that helps.

The HX850S has everything I was looking for and a little more while staying within my budget.
 
Rono007 said:
I got it from iboats actually, solely because I had a 10% promo code ($175 w/ discount).

Being that I'm doing lake boating in CT, I don't need the power of a fixed mount. Even if I go in the salt, I will never be far offshore in my size boat with kids. I wanted to keep the boat clean and have fewer things mounted, as well as I have a couple of other friends who boat on the lake who have no radio as well! This way I can carry mine along if need be.

Hope that helps.

The HX850S has everything I was looking for and a little more while staying within my budget.
Click to expand...


Thanks man. Have any clue how far out that 6 watt will transmit?
 
I think about 5 miles is max. Someone else may correct me if I am wrong.
 
I agree--the Standard Horizons HX850S is a wonderful floating radio. It has advantage of having GPS builtin, and is perfect for DSC operations and pushing emergency button if a mayday situation were to arrise. I've had one for 2+ years and LOVE it
 
I have two different models, one is a waterproof non floating and the other is the Standard Horizon HX850S. The weakness is the antenna as with any vhf radio. I have never got 5 miles, I guess as the crow flies maybe one could get that kind of distance. Still use alot, just not for long range, handy for the people just out of sight and when you are in the dingy or floaters, etc.
 
a handheld VHF is good for about 1-2 miles for transmitting. What you hear and what you transmit are 2 different things. Five miles is bullsh!t.
 
Four Suns said:
a handheld VHF is good for about 1-2 miles for transmitting. What you hear and what you transmit are 2 different things. Five miles is bullsh!t.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the clarification which radio would you recommend for 15-20 mile off shore
 
I'd get the SH HX850 for a back up, but even in my 180BR I had a proper fixed VHF. If I need it I want to be heard.
 
Four Suns said:
Five miles is bullsh!t.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your input. That's why I'm here ... to learn. The five miles part was from another forum I was reading.

The language though isn't appreciated and not necessary to make your point.
 
Serious question, Would it be possible to communicate with the coast guard @ 5 miles with a handheld even if the coast guard antenna was say 80' high on a tower?
 
Powerboat reports on handheld VHF's:

"Testing Procedures
We found seven handheld VHF models marketed as waterproof, water-resistant or sold with warranties against water damage. Their range is generally 3-5 miles, depending on antenna height and output power."

Boat US:

"Hand-Held VHF Radios

VHF handhelds also offer many of the same features found on fixed-mount units. They offer portability in the same way a cordless phone allows more mobility at home. A handheld radio may be just what you need for use in a dinghy, small boat without electrical systems, or as an emergency backup for your boat's radio. Handhelds have a maximum output of six watts. Due to their short antennas, they have a limited range of five miles."

Who knows...

What I do know is that whether it's handheld or fixed-mount, range is limited to line-of-sight (just like radar) to the other antenna.

With a 25 watt fixed mount, boat-to-boat is still limited to 5 miles with both antennas at 15'. If antenna height is 6' (you on your handheld), and you're talking to another boat with a fixed mount antenna at 15', YOUR range is only 3 miles, although the boat can still talk to you up to five miles.

I've listened to CG station Yankeetown which is 65 miles from me- but certainly don't have the range/power to talk to them...

As to the maximum range of a 6 watt VHF to a CG tower- that's a situation where the range is going to be dictated by power- and not antenna height. I've looked and can't find an answer to that question- it's a good one.

In any case, a handheld needs to be looked at as a backup only / ditch bag accessory IMO. Never a primary radio.
 
Last edited:
tobnpr said:
In any case, a handheld needs to be looked at as a backup only / ditch bag accessory IMO. Never a primary radio.
Click to expand...

I agree, I’m just curious how well they would work in an emergency reaching the coast guard.
 
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