[gareth1403]

Hi I'm looking to buy a hand held VHF any advice , any make

 

[Guest]

I would go for the best that you can afford.
Mine's an Icom, can't remember what one though, it's in my workshop with the boat.

 

[Salar]

Get one that is waterproof and buoyant, and the highest wattage you can get. Usually they are only 3 but you can get 5.

 

[Clinker]

I would go for a DSC model - as well as the red button (which if you needed to make a Mayday call from being in the water might mean the difference between being able to make a successful call or not), gives you a back up GPS. I would probably go for the Standard Horizon HX851E.

 

[Roy B]

I Have the Icom M91D has very easy to use menu system and got mine for under £190 with 5 year warranty but that was at London Boat Show this year . there is one small niggle it does Not come with a 12volt charger . So if you were away from mains power you are unable to re charge . 12 volt chargers are available as an extra . I compared the Icom M91D with Standard Horizon HX851E at the show and the Icom seems to be more user friendly (menu wise) . both DSC, Float, and shows battery state of charge, and flash/ buzz if you drop it in the water . and I keep it attached to my lifejacket when out on my own . good luck with your search .

 

[gareth1403]

I Have the Icom M91D has very easy to use menu system and got mine for under £190 with 5 year warranty but that was at London Boat Show this year . there is one small niggle it does Not come with a 12volt charger . So if you were away from mains power you are unable to re charge . 12 volt chargers are available as an extra . I compared the Icom M91D with Standard Horizon HX851E at the show and the Icom seems to be more user friendly (menu wise) . both DSC, Float, and shows battery state of charge, and flash/ buzz if you drop it in the water . and I keep it attached to my lifejacket when out on my own . good luck with your search .

Thanks I'll have a look at them

 

[alanwjones]

Ihave the Icom IC-M23 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ICOM-HAND...tEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item2329a882e4 Very capable little unit and very light on batteries.

 

[Clinker]

I Have the Icom M91D has very easy to use menu system and got mine for under £190 with 5 year warranty but that was at London Boat Show this year.

That's a good price, I didn't suggest the Icom as last time I looked it was around £100 more than the SH - but if the prices are around the same, then like you I would probably tend to Icom, for no other reason than I'm used to Icom.

 

[SparkUK]

I've got an M91D and like it a lot, battery life seems excellent too even with the GPS enabled. Can't compare it to the SH as I haven't had one.

 

[Clinker]

Just had an email from Mailspeed Marine - they're offering 20% off the Icom M91D at the moment - not as competitive as the SH but probably close enough for those who prefer Icom to SH.