VHF radio recommendations

[Titaniumboy]

I am looking for recommendations for a low cost VHF radio, preferably handheld. While we have never needed a VHF radio while boating on the California Delta or on Northern California lakes, it seems like it would be a prudent safety item.

Or do we not really need a VHF radio on the Delta? Cell phone coverage was a bit spotty on the Delta back in 2007 when we first bought our 240, but coverage nowadays seems very good.

[jhnmdahl]

I always liked ICOM handheld radios:



but there are cheaper brands like Cobra that are decent and provide peace of mind as well:



Uniden and Midland are both good brands too. Something that is waterproof, floats, and perhaps flashes if it falls in water might be a nice safety feature and isn't hard to find.

John

[Titaniumboy]

Thanks for the links.

Looks like a lot of the handheld radios float and are waterproof. I had no idea.

Is it a good use of funds to get a six watt unit as compared to a 3 watt unit?

[bruceb58]

Thanks for the links.

Looks like a lot of the handheld radios float and are waterproof. I had no idea.

Is it a good use of funds to get a six watt unit as compared to a 3 watt unit?

Depends on how far you need to transmit. 6 watts vs 3 watts does not double your range...it adds around 40%.

I went with 6W. I boat on Lake Tahoe. Well worth it for there.

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