Standard Horizon VHF poor weatherproofing?

Okeanos · 30 October 2016, 19:07

Four years ago I bought a Standard Horizon VHF with GPS, I think it was the GX1700 but the current price is much less than I paid. Within 2 years of buying it, the screen started steaming up. Last year some of the lines of the display started disappearing. Today, the screen was blank and stayed blank. I have also noticed a crack, where some aluminium inside had corroded and split the front.

I like the newer SH GX2200 with AIS but don't want to spend out on something that will only last 4 years. Was I unlucky or are the just not really waterproof?

willk · 30 October 2016, 19:22

I've had a GX1700 for three seasons - no issues so far. It gets wet regularly but stays dry when the boat is not in use. I have a cover on it - not sure that helps it at all.

FWIW - I now have an Icom M506 beside it. The difference in quality is palpable. IMO go Icom if you can.

treerat · 30 October 2016, 21:35

We had 2 on the club boat, can't remember the model but once we'd changed it for the Icom no worries

HDAV · 30 October 2016, 21:55

Don't they have a 3/5 year waterproof gaurantee?

Razorbill RIBs · 30 October 2016, 22:24

Have a chat with yaesu uk, always found them very helpful. I've had far fewer issues with any of the sh / yaesu kit than I had with several bits of icom Kit .... speak as you find / luck of the drawer etc....

beamishken · 30 October 2016, 23:16

I had a standard plotter that yaesu replaced foc even though it was 8 or 10 months out of warranty so definitely worth a call

Johnscubanut · 15 November 2016, 22:32

Been through 2 standard horizons, both steamed up! Returned under warranty, but last one gone again, now out of warranty. Given up & gone over to ICOM!

wellhouse · 16 November 2016, 05:50

had the gx2200 on my last rib, nice big screen and no problems at all. I always put the screen cover on when not in use and gave it a quick squirt after each trip with fresh water to get rid of any salt.