Hand held VHF

[JSP]

The last time I used one of these they weren't that good. But it's a few years back now.
Are there any on the market that are a good replacement for a fixed unit?

[SeaSkills]

There are some very good units on the market. Try Icom, or my favourite - Standard Horizon. However, I would say that they would be better considered good additions to a fixed set rather than a replacement (no DSC, less power, etc)

[captnjack]

Many handhelds have DSC now. The floating waterproof ones are particularly attractive.

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by captnjack

Many handhelds have DSC now.

They don't here.

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by captnjack

Many handhelds have DSC now. The floating waterproof ones are particularly attractive.

I don't think there are any UK approved DSC h/helds and certainly none with a built in gps which IMHO is a key feature of DSC for distress calling.

The Standard Horizons are generally well regarded on here.

If you have (1) a battery; (2) space on/in your console; (3) somewhere sensible to put an ariel (like an a-frame) then fixed is probably preferable. Not sure how much difference you will see in range from a handheld compared to a fixed unless you can get an ariel high up.

Cost does work out about 2x as much for a similar quality fixed unit (with ariel etc) as a hand held.

[martini]

I've just bought an Icom M71. Very small with very few buttons and waterproof to IPX8 for £130. It's got some really handy features like channel identification and pre-programmed squelch settings.

The price of hand helds has come down so much recently theres not much excuse for not having one really

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by martini

The price of hand helds has come down so much recently theres not much excuse for not having one really

I think thats all relative. If you are spending 200 a day on fuel then the cost of a hand held is insignificant. If you are at the other end of the spectrum and can spend a whole day on the water for 20 quid then a hand held is still a significant investment. Especially if you also want a fixed unit, a gps, etc. Its easy for me to see why people boating on a budget just never get round to it.

[martini]

Originally Posted by Polwart

I think thats all relative. If you are spending 200 a day on fuel then the cost of a hand held is insignificant. If you are at the other end of the spectrum and can spend a whole day on the water for 20 quid then a hand held is still a significant investment. Especially if you also want a fixed unit, a gps, etc. Its easy for me to see why people boating on a budget just never get round to it.

You can pick up an H/H for £70 these days, about the same price as a basic lifejacket. If your MOB on your own its money well spent. Not to mention its other uses eg back-up to your fixed unit, communicating to your shore party etc. If your really strapped for cash then buy the H/H and the put the fixed on your xmas list

[JSP]

I think it will be my only option until I get an Aframe fitted.
Was looking at one of these Icom IC M71

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by JSP

I think it will be my only option until I get an Aframe fitted.
Was looking at one of these Icom IC M71

No doubt a great VHF but so is tha HX270e - and it's a lot cheaper!!!