handheld VHF Radio Recommendations

[DJ76]

Would like to get some recommendations for a handheld VHF radio for my boat.  Not looking to open the bank vault but don't want to chince on my and others safety.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.


thanks!!

[IKAT]

Standard Horizon--HX850S--Has everything at a good price--Don't skimp on you radios--or ants.....

[Fishin Dude]

I recommend  a waterproof  floating  hand held radio as backup. There are a few good ones available on the market.  Check with Matt from Task Marine, he might be able to get you a good deal.

[DJ76]

thanks for the recommend.  Took a look at the standard horizon and i really like.  The GPS feature is really nice. Honestly never new they had handhelds with that capability.  I like the idea of in the event of a bad emergency hitting the panic button and attaching it to my sons life vest.

[ped579]

I have an Icom unit that is waterproof and it floats. I kayak and it has gotten wet many times and it still keeps on going.  It gives you peace of mind when you are all alone.  Just remember they are limited in their range to transmit. But with saying that I have never had any trouble reaching someone.

Happy Catching

Paul

[DJ76]

A little background...

I only have an alumunium 14' v-hull fisher boat with a brand new 20 horse yamaha on it. I've only fished in the sandy hook bay with it when the 9.9 was on it.  I plan on venturing (weather and seas permitting) a little further out towards the rip but that's about it.  I'm assuming a handheld will be more than adequate in the bay?

[ped579]

There are channels now I think run by either Sea Tow or Boat US that you can access to do tests on that allow you to transmit and it will replay your transmission so you can hear for yourself what your signal sounds like.

But I would think it should be fine. 

Happy Catching

Paul

[IKAT]

There are channels now I think run by either Sea Tow or Boat US that you can access to do tests on that allow you to transmit and it will replay your transmission so you can hear for yourself what your signal sounds like.

But I would think it should be fine. 

Happy Catching

Paul

Here are the NJ channels if anyone needs them--It is Sea Tow

Sea Tow Northern New Jersey - Ch. 27

Mid-Atlantic
Sea Tow Atlantic City (NJ) - Ch. 26
Sea Tow Central New Jersey (NJ) - Ch. 27
Sea Tow Sea Isle / Cape May (NJ) - Ch. 26

[ped579]

 

[Maritime Matt]

All good points mentioned and thanks Fishin Dude for the mention.
Icom and Standard Horizon both have some great radios and are what I own several of myself. Standard gives you more choices and great features for the money.
This is what I tell everyone. Buy the BEST radio and Antenna you can afford. YOUR LIFE may depend on it some day.
The HX 851 replaces the HX 850 and is Standards Best  floating h/h radio and as mentioned, is equipped with a built-in gps. They have other floating models but are not gps equipped.
Capt.Matt

[ped579]

 

[DJ76]

just took delvery today of my standard horizon HX851.  Initial impression is very good.  I paid about 240 with tax and shipping for it.  Comes with the li-ion battery and two charging adapters...one 12V cig for the car and another 120 for the wall.  I'm actually kinda amazed at the weight of it...given all the capabilties (floating, submersible, GPS, strobe, etc.) I feel its a lot lighter than I thought with a very good footprint. So far the manual that it comes with seems pretty easy to follow (good for me as I'm a first time VHF owner and don't have a clue what I'm doing) and is very informative.

thanks again to everyone for the input, it was helpful in my purchase.