Which handheld marine VHF radio is best?

Here are the best handheld marine radio units you can buy!

• Best Overall Choice. Cobra MRHH350FLT Floating VHF Radio.
• Uniden MHS126 Handheld Submersible VHF Marine Radio. Check Latest Price.
• Best Premium Choice. ICOM IC-M93D Marine VHF Handheld Radio.
• Best Budget Choice.
• Standard Horizon HX870 Handheld VHF Marine Radio.

What is the range of a handheld VHF marine radio?

For normal handheld use (at five-watt transmit power), figure on a three-to-eight mile range from a small boat, compared to 15 to 20 miles with a fixed-mount radio (at 25 watt transmit power.)

Why is it illegal to use a marine radio on land?

Marine radios can function on land; however, because marine radios are used by vessels in situations of distress, navigational issues, personal communication, and business needs, it is not legal for a person to use a marine radio on land without an approved coast station license.

How do I choose a VHF radio?

How to Choose a VHF Radio for Your Boat

1. Fixed or handheld options. VHF radios are available in either fixed or handheld options.
2. Water damage and corrosion protection.
3. Range requirements and antenna length.
4. Timely weather alerts.
5. Consider DSC capability.
6. Benefits of GPS.
7. Final thought.

How far will a marine radio talk?

Your VHF radio is intended mainly for short range communications, generally 5-10 miles, and at least 20 miles to a USCG station. To communicate at longer ranges, you will normally need a satellite telephone or an MF/HF marine radiotelephone.

Can I use a marine radio on land?

Marine VHF radios, whether fixed or handheld, may not be used on land, period. It’s the law. Once a VHF radio goes ashore, it cannot be used for marine band transmission (without a Coast Station License).

Do you need a license to operate a marine band radio?

You do not need a license to operate a marine VHF radio, radar, or EPIRBs aboard voluntary ships operating domestically. The term “voluntary ships” refers to ships that are not required by law to carry a radio.

What should I look for in a handheld VHF radio?

Three Things To Look For In Handheld VHF Radios

• Make Sure It’s Waterproof… And Floats!
• Screen Must Be Easily Viewable In Daylight… And Battery Should Last.
• Ability To Double As A Search-and-Rescue Tool. A handheld VHF should always be ready to go.

What should I look for in a VHF marine radio?

How to Choose a VHF Radio for Your Boat

• Fixed or handheld options. VHF radios are available in either fixed or handheld options.
• Water damage and corrosion protection.
• Range requirements and antenna length.
• Timely weather alerts.
• Consider DSC capability.
• Benefits of GPS.
• Final thought.

What do you need to legally use a VHF marine radio?

In order to use a VHF marine radio you must obtain a Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) – ROC (M).

Which is the best VHF radio for boats?

Cobra HH500 As the replacement for the much-loved HH475, the new HH500 is Cobra’s flagship handheld and it shows. You get Bluetooth capability, plus a ‘Rewind-Say-Again’ facility, enabling you to replay the last 20 seconds of a transmission.

What can you do with a VHF radio?

Many channel frequencies, including weather channels, come up to a handheld VHF radio. When you are in a critical situation, you can watch the updated information stored for you. There are two types of marine VHF radios: handheld and fixed-mount. We are going to provide you a conception about them below.

How long does it take to charge a VHF radio?

You can charge a handheld VHF radio from a few hours to 16 or 20 hours from anywhere. Many channel frequencies, including weather channels, come up to a handheld VHF radio. When you are in a critical situation, you can watch the updated information stored for you. There are two types of marine VHF radios: handheld and fixed-mount.

What is the range of a VHF radio?

The range of VHF marine radio is inclusive between 156.0 and 174 MHz. The letters VHF stand for “very high frequency. We can use” VHF radios for ship communication and install it on both large and small vessels.