VHF radio recommendation

[krash]

I have the S-Horizon HX270s, rechargeable, submersable, works great last a long time, 3 year warranty even against water damage, but does not float. $99 at BPS got it for $79 on sale there. Came with AC recharger, DC car adapter charger, and a spare AA battery back carrier. The AA battery carrier would come in handy for multi day camping trips where you could not recharge.

Floating model would be a benifit, but I just put mine in a clear water tight bag made for handhelds and it works great in the bag, floats, and now never even gets wet.

Not sure how many features you need, but on my kayak I pretty much only use it to communicate with others, or sometimes listen to the marine weather reports.

You really need or want channel 16 for emergencies, and almost all have a full range of other channels. Most of the others I hang out with use 9, 16, and 68 to 73.

The handheld's are severly limited in xmit distance especially at water level, maybe a mile. VHF is all about power and how high the antenna is. From the West side of Biscayne Bay I can hear boater chatter anywhere in the Bay, and many boaters offshore out East of Elliott.

[WhoDey]

I use a uniden, and have thus far been happy with it. Make sure its a 5W model, of the three you listed 2 note they are, but the uniden you picked does not seem to be listed unless I am overlooking it.

[crashmister]

Thanks for the input gang! I'm leaning towards the uniden - it is 5w
http://www.uniden.com/products/productd ... uct=MHS550.

Any other opinions?

Rob; Great selection. This model has a selectable power out put 1/2.5/5 watt output and is water proof to 5 feet for 30 min. More than enough time to call for help and fix your position if heaven forbid you ever need it. Plus you can get it serviced very quickly locally. The liON battery is a great feature also. It's lighter and longer lasting than either NiCads or NiMetals and they last about 3 times longer in over all battery life so you don't have to buy batteries near as often or worry about battery memory.

[Bi0tic]

I am looking to get one of these, some good info here. What did you get rob? and how has it been working for you?

[Bi0tic]

Yes, I have seen that one. Seems good esp with the li battery. Have you exposed it to water much to determine the waterproof-ness?

[permitchaser]

Rob horizon its a good brand, i bought a handheld call Cobra piece of poop ,for the skiff .