Selecting a Handheld VHF Marine Radio | BoatUS

[@ctndiaye1]

I'll be getting one with the DSC button.

[@boatus]

That's a good choice! Be sure to get an MMSI number and program it in. MMSI numbers are free for BoatUS Members or $25 without---though the fee includes a complimentary 1-year membership. Visit BoatUS.com/MMSI to obtain your number. Thanks for watching!

[@doolittlegeorge]

always own 2. check the mounting features as well.

[@boatus]

Good advice, Andrew. Thanks for watching!

[@doolittlegeorge]

Always great KZbin posts here. Big boating boom in the USA now well underway making communication and boater safety subjects more in need now than ever. Been watching a great KZbin series called "LadyK Sailing" which I highly recommend for those interested in ICC and Bahama cruising. Fun is safe and safe is fun!

[@boatus]

@@doolittlegeorge Thanks for the recommendation. We'll check it out!

[@markmaugle4599]

Do any of them float? That was a big feature a few years back. I added a 5" piece of orange water noodle to mine. Also which one can easily be recharged on your boat? Mine has a clunky stand that I have to bring with me, but charges off 12v.

[@boatus]

Quite a few of them float, Mark. Nearly all of the current Standard Horizon models float (or will when equipped with a floating case). Also saw a number of ICOM models that float. As for an alternative to cradle charging, the Standard Horizon HX300 comes with a USB charger (it also floats). The ICOM M25 also charges via a USB and floats. There may be others, but those are the two that came up first in my search. Hope this helps!

[@davidblah-7215]

❤️BOATUS..... Not much information given on this video

[@boatus]

Thanks for the honest feedback, David. We are looking at doing a more in-depth sequel to this at some point. If there's anything specific you'd like to see covered, let us know.

[@kentblairl]

Thanks for the video, Nice rundown. Which unit had the strobe?

[@boatus]

Thanks for watching, Kent. I'm not sure that any of the units we looked at that day had a strobe. However, a quick online search turns up that a lot of Standard Horizon models have that feature.

[@kentblairl]

@@boatus Thanks!

[@joemiles8402]

I dont mean to be so off topic but does any of you know a method to log back into an Instagram account?? I was stupid forgot my account password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me!

[@ayaanemerson2533]

@Joe Miles instablaster :)

[@joemiles8402]

@Ayaan Emerson Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now. Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@prof1ist]

On the Icom m25 , can you program a weather channel so it can be scanned with my favorites ?

[@boatus]

Hi Charlie and thanks for the question. In a nutshell, no you can’t. Scanning works as it suggests by scanning selected channels, which it does at high speed. Then, when it detects a transmission on one of the scanned channels it stops so you can hear the transmission. Weather channels are constantly transmitting, so if you could program in a WX channel then the radio would never scan any other channel as the radio would get “stuck” and not select the other channel.

[@richarddunkelberger981]

Which handhelds off the DSC distress button?

[@boatus]

Great question, Richard! Just about all of the major manufacturers offer at least one model with DSC: ICOM, Cobra, Standard Horizon. You probably already know this, but to use the DSC feature, the VHF needs to be connected to a specific boat. If you want to use it on multiple boats, DSC isn't going to be helpful. If you are a BoatUS Member, you can request your MMSI number for free (or $25 for nonmembers) at www.boatus.com/mmsi. Hope this is helpful.

[@noksu_krx1933]

I'm gonna be doing some fishing 70 miles in to the gulf of Mexico I'm looking to purchase a vhf radio so I can stay in touch with some friends back on land, wich vhf radio do you guys recomend...?

[@boatus]

Thanks for the question! A VHF radio is effective at short ranges, but the ultimate range is almost entirely dependent on the height of the antenna. VHF radios are what is known as “line of sight.” At 70 miles' distance, the antennas will be unable to “see” each other as they will be below the horizon, and thus the radios will not be able to communicate. Another point is that the maximum output from a VHF set is limited to 25 watts, which even in the best conditions limits the range to 20 miles or so, far inside the 70-mile range that you are looking for. The best solution in your case would be to use either a satellite phone or equip your boat with a medium frequency radio which has far greater range than the VHF that you are thinking of.

[@noksu_krx1933]

@@boatus wow thank you so much for your reply it cleared out a lot of gray areas, now I know what to look for...

[@boatus]

@@noksu_krx1933 You are quite welcome! Good luck with your plans, and here's to catching some keepers!

[@RayRay-zc2ed]

You should consider installing a ham radio. I did and it work great.

[@richarddunkelberger981]

Which ones have the DSC button?

[@boatus]

Thanks for the question, Richard. (And sorry for the delay in response - just saw this.) Most of the major manufacturers now offer handhelds with DSC -- Standard Horizon, ICOM, West Marine, Cobra. You probably already know this, but for others who might read this, remember that DSC is linked to a specific boat, so a handheld unit is great as a backup (or in a ditch kit) on a boat with fixed-mount VHF or for your primary communications on a smaller boat without a fixed-mount VHF. And don't forget that to use DSC, you need to request and program in a unique MMSI number, which is free for BoatUS Members (www.boatus.com/mmsi) or $25 for nonmembers.

[@richarddunkelberger981]

@@boatus Thanks. My fixed mount VHF has DSC. Would I use the same MMSI number I have programmed into my fixed mount?

[@MrSushibuff]

It would’ve been nice if you had the figures for an IPX 8 rather than just say it goes a little deeper. But great video otherwise.

[@boatus]

Thanks for your comment. IPX8 rating is over 1 meter (3'3").

[@scottburgle4889]

@@boatus So somewhere in between 3’3” and 1000’?

[@boatus]

@@scottburgle4889 Interesting question, Scott. I had to do a little research, and I learned something new today. According to IEC, which sets the standards for Ingress Protection (IP) testing, here's what an IPX8 rating means. It's a bit squidgy, frankly: • IPX8 immersion testing is defined as immersion in over 1 meter of water. The IPX8 waterproofness test requirements are typically set by the manufacturer but normally mean: • The equipment is suitable for continuous immersion in water under specific conditions. These specific conditions should be specified by the manufacturer. • Typically, the equipment is hermetically sealed. However, with certain types of equipment, it can mean that water can enter. If there is some liquid intrusion, it should only occur in a manner such that it produces no harmful effects. • Similar to IPX7 ingress testing, the liquid can contain chemicals. It can also be conditioned to various temperatures. • The test duration is specified by the manufacturer. • A product IPX8 rated is able to meet the requirements of this liquid enclosure test. TL;DR: The item is waterproof to at least 1 meter for some amount of time specified by the manufacturer in conditions also specified by the manufacturer. You'll have to look up the manufacturer specs for each unit you're considering. I know it doesn't give you a specific range, but hopefully now you know where to look for that info when shopping.

[@seakings8712]

Where is this place I want to visit this place

[@boatus]

West Marine near Annapolis, Maryland (www.westmarine.com)

[@ultragash3673]

Define “a couple few miles” haha wtf does that mean

[@boatus]

You haven't heard of "a couple few" before, ultra?! 😂 (I'll be adding this to my vocabulary!) TBH, I don't think Lenny was feeling his best the day we shot this -- or it could be one of his folksy sayings. I don't recall. Thanks for watching!

[@goatsinker347]

No! So shortsighted! Need radios that use alkaline batteries that are available worldwide. We're not amateur radio operators. We don't take generators, or solar panels with us, incase the lithium batteries need charging while we're sinking or whatever

[@boatus]

Thanks for adding your thoughts, Goat. No product is perfect, but for many boaters, the lower weight and far higher power capacity Li-Ion batteries provide far outweighs their downsides - which explains why Li-ion has replaced alkaline batteries in countless products worldwide ranging from cellphones to cars. Naturally, as is true with all rechargeable items, in order to use them to their fullest, you should always make sure a rechargeable VHF is fully charged before leaving the dock. That said, some boaters, like yourself, still prefer alkaline batteries over Li-ion or other types of rechargeables. Many handheld VHF models (most Standard Horizon, some ICOM, and others) have the option to use alkaline (AA or AAA) batteries. Some models come with a battery tray in the package; others have optional trays that can be ordered separately. Just remember to add some extra packs of batteries to your go-bag. Consider removing batteries from the original packaging and storing them in a waterproof container (not installed in the unit) to make them easier to access in an emergency and ensure they don’t corrode the terminals or discharge, possibly rendering the unit useless when you need it most. Check and test them at least yearly and change out as needed.

[@ggggg4030]

Kinda worthless video. Portrays they are all basically the same, slightly better then one that is 2-3x the price. No brand/model info. Which have more readable displays in daylight, which have noise cancelling, which ones float. Aren’t these the things to look for?

[@boatus]

Sorry to disappoint, ggggg, but thanks for the honest feedback. What more would you want to know about handheld VHFs?

[@Butchrknife]

This one goes fast and this one goes faster but this one goes higher with the button. What a waste of my time watching! Around Seattle out

[@boatus]

Thanks for your feedback, Butch. We'll keep your comments in mind as we plan future videos.