Handheld Radio

aero3113

Can anyone recommend a waterproof/floating dual band VHF/UHF handheld? If not what waterproof/floating VHF handheld would you recommend? I came across the Icom M93D, seems to have everything but dual band.

Stodge

Standard Horizon has a little friendlier price point.  They have floating handhelds.  Even some with GPS and DSC.

But I'm confused.  I'm unaware of a UHF marine band or UHF marine radios.  We have them in ham radio, but never heard of them in marine.  Where did you find information on marine UHF?

aero3113

@Stodge , I found this statement online from Boating magazine. Doesn’t seem like there are too many out there.

Uniden’s Atlantis 295 dual-band VHF ($169) not only covers all marine VHF frequencies, but it can also transmit on 8 GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service; $70 license fee required) channels and 14 FRS (Family Radio Service; no license needed) channels as well. These bonus channels can be legally operated on land as well as on a boat and can also be used for semiprivate communications with family and friends, as well as a wireless intercom system on the boat.

Stodge

Ah, FRS radio so not marine of any kind.  I don't know of a reason why you'd want that in boat, but it's not a far stretch in a hand-held.  I'd say they are likely the only ones who offer that.  Personally I'd be more interested in having GPS and DSC, not to mention 6 watts in a floating/waterproof marine hand-held.  

Most ham dual band hand-held radio can work on the marine and FRS bands in addition to the ham bands.  But technically that's not legal.  

aero3113

Also Cobra has one

https://www.amazon.com/Cobra-MR-HH450-Dual-All-Terrain-Radio/dp/B00ECGWZRO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520258379&sr=8-1&keywords=Cobra+MR-HH450-DUAL+All-Terrain-Radio

Stodge

Must be a trend.  Still don't know when you'd want/need FRS or GRMS while out on the boat.  Now if you were using FRS radios when you go boating for keeping track of kids, or duck hunting, or fishing sure then you have 1 radio to do both functions.

I have a pair of FRS radios I use around the house when I need to be in the basement and have my wife tell me that a light is on or off when I switch a breaker.

I'll admit too I'm a little biased when it comes to radios.  I lean toward Icom because their ham gear is solid.  Standard Horizon is the same company as Yeasu, another ham brand that makes good gear.  

skennelly

@Stodge - I was a licensed ham in high school and early twenties, but got side tracked by other life opportunities.  I really kick myself for not simply paying the renew fee on my license instead I let it expire.  I was a General at the time.

My main rig was a Yeasu...solid radio.  Sold it all a few years ago

aero3113

@Stodge , I just figured it would be nice to have the option (Take camping or hiking). If it doesn't make much sense, ill just stick to strictly marine.

Stodge

@aero3113 if you have a use for them (camping, hiking), then yeah it makes sense.  I just don't see a "boating" use for them.   If you just have the 1 you may not have many people to talk to on FRS while out on the water. 

@skennelly I've been licensed since 1983 and other than the cost of a stamp or going on-line there hasn't been a renewal cost for ham licenses.    I just renewed a couple months ago so I'm good till 2028.  I don't operate near as much as I should.  I have an HF rig in the closet.  I haven't even put a 2m in the car.  Been busy with other stuff.  Once I get caught up on house stuff and boat stuff I plan to put up both a marine VHF and 2m/440 station at the house.  And if I get really motivated I'll start looking at HF antennas again.

skennelly

@Stodge - ha even worst no renewal fee.  It was about 15 years ago so I've forgotten.

Stodge

Could always re-test.  They got rid of the morse requirement so just the written.

MarkB

I had a standard horizon. Worked really well, good reception and lasted as long as I had it!

aero3113

I ended up buying the Icom M93D, they have a $30.00 rebate till the end of the month. I came across this article from Boat US on VHF basics, good info to keep in mind.
http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/vhf-basics.asp

aero3113

https://www.thegpsstore.com/Icom-M93D-Floating-Handheld-VHF-with-GPS-P5010.aspx?gclid=CjwKCAjws6jVBRBZEiwAkIfZ2o7rrQU-OG3TGtiZFg4JJt81Z00A5WW4t3LwrSvu0AVlPefIr4CGABoCH6UQAvD_BwE