Handheld VHF marine radio design is improving with new functions added every year. We take a look at some of the best handheld marine radios on the market.Significant improvements in a number of areas in recent years have seen handheld VHF marine radios move from being purely portable communications devices to something altogether more useful. As technology has shrunk, battery life improved and screens become clearer, handheld VHFs can now offer many of the safety features that used to be available only on fixed marine radios. Features now often include frequency scanning; weather reports; GPS integration; and an ability to automatically send distress signals.
\nWaterproofing has increased too with many of the best handheld marine radios now able to float for sustained periods of time without any damage to the internal electrics. Many of these floating handheld VHFs also offer some form of automatically activated strobe to help you find it in the dark if it has been dropped in the water.
\nOf course, as is the case with any handheld, mobile, battery-powered device there are trade-offs to consider. The more feature-rich the handheld marine radio, the bigger it will be, the more screen real estate it will need to display options and thus the more prone it is to increased battery drain. Smaller units might well offer fewer features but may counter this through increased battery life \u2013 even with a smaller battery \u2013 or better convenience or value.
\nDon\u2019t forget though that although you can buy a radio easily online, if you don\u2019t have on already, you\u2019ll need to obtain a licence to operate a VHF radio in the UK and USA and various other territories.
\nBest handheld marine radios available now<\/p>\n
Icom IC-M25Euro handheld marine radio
\nBest value handheld marine radio
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Great value
\n\u2022 Impressive battery life
\n\u2022 USB connector\/universal charging
\nReason to avoid
\n\u2022 Not fully waterproof
\n\u2022 No GPS
\nSpecifications
\nBattery life: 29 hours on standby monitoring VTS CH12
\nWaterproofing: IPX7
\nFloating: Yes
\nWeight: 225g
\nDSC: No
\nGPS: No<\/p>\n
The IC-M25 is a lightweight low spec VHF handheld radio suitable for taking with you paddleboarding or in your tender as well as for use to augment a fixed VHF unit on a larger boat. The float and flash system works well too so if you do drop it in the water it\u2019ll carry on functioning and you\u2019ll be able to retrieve it easily. Rated to IPX7 you won\u2019t want to leave this submerged for too long but it certainly will keep on functioning with the odd dunking.
\nThe slim design means that it is one of the lightest units on the market at a mere 225g. The radio also has a tidy USB connector for convenient charging from a variety of electronic devices in much the same way as a mobile phone.
\nEven though it is a small unit, it does still feature plenty of screen real estate, and it boasts an LCD screen that is 30% larger than its predecessor, the IC-M23. Battery life is impressive too, offering 29 hours on standby, charging back up to full in 3 hours. It is not a DSC radio and does not have built-in GPS, so is not particularly a safety-feature heavy radio, but for those looking for a reliable, budget, but dependable handheld VHF, this will do the job.
\nBuy Icom \u2013 M25Euro from Amazon UK
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Standard Horizon HX890E VHF handheld marine radio
\nBest overall handheld marine radio
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Large easy to read screen
\n\u2022 Fully waterproof
\n\u2022 High capacity battery with rapid charger
\n\u2022 DSC and GPS functionality
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022\u00a0 higher price than a basic model
\nSpecifications
\nBattery life: 27 hours on standby monitoring VTS ch12
\nWaterproofing: IPX8
\nFloating: Yes
\nWeight: 310g
\nDSC: Yes \u2013 Class D
\nGPS: Yes<\/p>\n
Standard Horizon\u2019s HX890 is a feature-rich, top spec handheld VHF, with impressive functionality. It features a large screen, which is easy to read but also points to the array of functions available. The handheld radio floats with a highly visible strobe light activated when in the water and is fully waterproof with an IPX8 rating.
\nThe HX890 has a built-in GPS receiver, something you will not find in other models offering less functionality, and is DSC-capable \u2013 so you can send a digital message to other DSC-capable receivers, including your GPS coordinates. If you send a distress message, it will automatically activate alarms on all DSC-capable receivers.
\nWe like the dedicated volume buttons and the squelch is easy to find and falls naturally under the finger next to the push to transmit (PTT) button. Overall it is well laid out and easy to operate. The menu is easy to navigate and the Emergency distress button is easy to locate on the rear and can be activated single handed.
\nWe got 27 hours from this on standby monitoring VTS ch12 in a busy Southampton shipping port and the clarity of the speaker even when turned up to max, though not the loudest in our test group, was excellent.
\nIt comes with an additional battery tray too which can use 5 x AAA standard disposable or rechargeable batteries, in addition to the sets main rechargeable battery, so it\u2019s possible to include this in your grab bag inventory for emergency use.
\nBuy Standard Horizon 890E VHF on Amazon UK
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Cobra HH600 DSC handheld marine radio
\nBest handheld marine radio for phone connectivity\u00a0
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Fully waterproof
\n\u2022 Can pair and use smartphone through it
\n\u2022 Great safety features
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Others offer better battery life and charge options
\nSpecifications
\nBattery life: 10 hours
\nWaterproofing: IPX8
\nFloating: Yes
\nWeight: 329g
\nDSC: Yes
\nGPS: Yes
\nThe Cobra MR-HH600 is a floating handheld VHF radio with built-in GPS, allowing you to view exact coordinates, and also transmit your location. A great built-in function is the ability to pair your smartphone via Bluetooth and make phone calls, all while keeping your device safe and dry in a locker.
\nThe VHF, as with others on the market, features a flashlight with emergency strobe function.
\nThe HH660 is able to float and features a waterproofing standard of IPX8. The radio unit is a DSC-equipped VHF allowing you to transmit identity and location details and has the ability to automatically record the last 20 seconds of VHF calls so you can always play back what you missed.
\nIt is GPS-equipped and can show your coordinates, and is also equipped with a MOB button to allow marking and tracking of a casualty\u2019s position in the water.
\nBuy it now on Amazon UK
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Standard Horizon HX40E Ultra Compact handheld marine radio
\nBest small form handheld marine radio
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Lightweight, small and easy to read menu
\n\u2022 Built-in FM Radio
\n\u2022 Battery save function
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Not fully waterproof
\n\u2022 No GPS
\nSpecifications
\nBattery life: 20 hours
\nWaterproofing: IPX7
\nFloating: No
\nWeight: 230g
\nDSC: No
\nGPS: No
\nThis new VHF from Standard Horizon is small \u2013 5.2cm x 9.5cm x 3.3cm (2.05in x 3.74in x 1.3in) \u2013 and weighing only 230g without the antenna it\u2019s about the size of a standard pack of cards.
\nIt has an easy-to-navigate menu and can save 10 channels as presets, as well as having CH16 available at the press of a button.
\nWhile it\u2019s waterproof, the radio doesn\u2019t float unless you opt for the SHC-29 floating case, which enlarges it.
\nThe radio has a battery-save function to give the most from its 7.4v lithium polymer battery, while the less battery-cautious owner can take advantage of the built-in FM radio.
\nBuy it now on Amazon UK
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ICOM IC-M93D handheld marine radio
\nBest feature-packed handheld marine radio
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Full of features
\n\u2022 Location services, great safety device
\n\u2022 Great easy to read screen
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Not fully waterproof
\n\u2022 Alternatives offer much better battery life
\nSpecifications
\nBattery life: 9 hours
\nWaterproofing: IPX7
\nFloating: Yes
\nWeight: 544g
\nDSC: Yes
\nGPS: Yes
\nThe Icom IC-M93D is chock-full of features \u2013 two key ones are its built-in GPS and DSC. The VHF is buoyant and has a fitted strobe that will flash to show where it is when in the water.
\nThe M93D features a waterproof rating of IPX7 (1 meter for 30 mins) and it offers a battery life on standby of 9 hours (charging in 2 hours). Also of note is the sizeable screen, making it easier to read than some smaller offerings, even with more information displayed.
\nA handheld VHF for years has been a communication device: primarily a way to summon help, call up a marina or even grab a water taxi. DSC has increased functionality making a VHF more of a safety device that helped alert and locate rescue services to the user\u2019s position.\u00a0The M93D takes this a step further offering location via DSC and can be set to automatically trigger a MOB alert. Certainly this is a clear bonus for anyone sailing single or shorthanded.
\nBuy it now on Amazon UK
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Cobra MRHH 125 handheld marine radio
\nBest backup handheld marine radio
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Runs on rechargeable batteries allowing for spares
\n\u2022 Great budget or backup option
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 No waterproofing
\n\u2022 No GPS
\n\u2022 Main function is as a spare
\nSpecifications
\nBattery life: 9 hours
\nWaterproofing: No
\nFloating: No
\nWeight: 228g
\nDSC: No
\nGPS: No
\nThe Cobra HH125 is a compact handheld VHF radio which runs on rechargeable AAA batteries (or standard alkaline type). It is splashproof (JIS4 standard) which is somewhere between rain and a jet of water, so will not be particularly suitable for operation in strong winds or offshore \u2013 though it can be purchased with an Aquamate AM3 or AM13 waterproof bag for complete protection.
\nThe display and keypad are backlit for ease of use at night. There is an instant-access Channel 16 button and an autoscan feature for all channels. UK M1 and M2 are programmed. The active channel is clearly displayed.
\nIt weighs 228g and measures 102mm x 62mm x 31mm without the antenna. Battery life with fully charged NiMH cells is around 9 hours at 3W.
\nIt is clearly a budget option and its lack of total waterproofing and other features do probably render it unsuitable for use as a main handheld radio, but as a secondary or spare, with a waterproof bag it is a good deal.
\nBuy it now on Amazon UK<\/p>\n
Lowrance Link-2 DSC handheld marine radio
\nBest handheld marine radio for intercom systems
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Feature-rich
\n\u2022 Buddy function
\n\u2022 Can store up to 300 waypoints
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Not fully waterproof
\n\u2022 Poor battery life
\nSpecifications
\nBattery life: 7 hours
\nWaterproofing: IPX7
\nFloating: Yes
\nWeigh: 285g
\nDSC: Yes
\nGPS: Yes
\nLink-2 is a feature-rich, free-floating handheld VHF radio that is Class D DSC compliant and features MOB functionality and storage for up to 300 waypoints.
\nIt has a useful intercom system via the Lowrance \u2018Get Buddy\u2019 function, which allows other Link-2 radios to receive or send position, bearing and distance at a button push. It stores up to 300 waypoints and 20 \u2018buddy\u2019 DSC IDs. It sports a very large screen, and the most used controls are tactile and come easily to hand.
\nThe Link-2 weighs in at 285g, is IPX7 waterproof and can float. It also offers a standby battery time of 7 hours.
\nBuy it now on Amazon UK<\/p>\n
GME GX 850 handheld marine radio
\nBest handheld marine radio for the marina
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Feature-rich
\n\u2022 Great safety features
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Not fully waterproof
\n\u2022 Unknown battery life
\nSpecifications
\nBattery life: Not available
\nWaterproofing: IP67
\nFloating: Yes
\nWeight: Not available
\nDSC: Yes
\nGPS: Yes
\nGME\u2019s GX 850 is a DSC handheld VHF with an in-built 48-channel GPS receiver. The radio is waterproof to the IP67 standard. It features a large backlit LCD display, making it easy to read all displayed information, even on a bright sunny day.
\nIdeal for use at the marina or on board, if either model is accidentally dropped overboard, it will float to the surface with the bright LCD flashing to make location and retrieval easy.
\nAs with many of the other feature-rich radios on the market, a low power setting allows you to cut battery consumption when using the radio at close range.
\nThe GX850\u2019s credentials as a safety device are enhanced by the inclusion of the MOB feature. In the event of an MOB incident, simply press and hold the MOB key to gain an accurate location of the point at which the incident occurred, making search and retrieval faster.
\nBuy it now on Mr Boats Marine Accessories (Aus)
\nThe post Best handheld marine radios: 8 feature-rich VHF options for your boat appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Handheld VHF marine radio design is improving with new functions added every year. We take a look at some of the best handheld marine radios on the market.Significant improvements in a number of areas in recent years have seen handheld … <\/p>\n