Looking for advice on VHF radio

[eyedaddy]

I am looking to get a hand held VHF for the kayak I see there are a lot on the market. My question is what features should I be looking for? I have had them on boats but this is a very different environment for their use and any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks eyedaddy

[buzz]

1) Waterproof IP7 rating or better

2) Floats

[eyedaddy]

Thanks Buzz

1) Waterproof IP7 rating or better

2) Floats

Was not sure what the IP7 rating was is any brand better that another they all seem to have the same functions.

[kitkatyaker]

I use the Standard Horizon HX 300. It floats, rated IPX 8, has large backlit buttons and display and has a 1560 mAH Li-ion battery. Also if you drop it in the water at night a light comes on automatically. Some may say its pricey, but I am satisfied. Good luck.

[Cowpokey]

I have a Standard Horizon HX 280. It doesn't float, but does have a hole in the belt clip that you can use to fashion a tether. It's a bit cheaper than the floating models and has a 1600 mAh battery, which is larger than its floating sibling (HX 290) with a 1140 mAh battery. The 290 and 300 radios are nice, especially since they float, but they are also quite a bit more bulky.

[JohnE]

I have the Uniden MHS75, which was only $80 shipped. It does everything you would need and does not cost a fortune. It does not float...I just clip the lanyard to my pfd all the time or you could attach a float to the lanyard.

[Cowpokey]

I have the Uniden MHS75, which was only $80 shipped. It does everything you would need and does not cost a fortune. It does not float...I just clip the lanyard to my pfd all the time or you could attach a float to the lanyard.

I put a piece of pool noodle on my tether, about three inches. Tested it out by filling a 20 quart icechest with water, wrapped the tether/noodle around the radio and dropped it in. It floated the radio/tether/caribiner with half of the pool noodle above the surface. My radio was also $80 shipped.

[JohnE]

My vhf and my cellphone in waterproof case are always attached to my pfd when I'm out. Even better if they float as well...but they better be attached to yourself (even if they float you could lose them in a bad situation). Can't be too careful, especially when you're out on big water.

I always think if you don't want to lose something, it better float or be attached to you or your yak. I lost my big aluminum measuring stick a couple weeks ago because my carabiner stuck open and I didn't have flotation attached. My replacement has flotation and I also attach the same way as I used to. IMO, certain things you bring should float (such as rods and other items that can cause you big trouble if you turtle and they are attached), and other things such as vhf should always be attached to you.

[Cowpokey]

My cell phone is in a waterproof (Lifeproof) case, and zipped in my PDF pocket. For my VHF; I tied with this tether so it can be attached to my PDF.

[kuljc]

Standard Horizon HX 150. it's small and floats, made for small boats like yaks. battery lasts for a very long time. It was on sale for $80 when I got it, normal price is 90-100. Considering how many things I drop off the kayak, I need something that floats and tied down just in case.

Also standard horizon is a very good brand for VHF radios, when I was searching it never came up much. But from talking to people it's a good brand.

[Jambone]

I use a Standard Horizon DSC radio and I highly recommend one. I make sure the radio is registered and the info is updated for use on my kayak. I like the security of knowing I can easily transmit my location if needed to aid in a rapid response. We should ask new sharing MMSI numbers before heading out as a group. My handheld radio number is 338092967 for reference.

Sent from my Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition

[PigPen]

I use the Standard Horizon HX 300. It floats, rated IPX 8, has large backlit buttons and display and has a 1560 mAH Li-ion battery. Also if you drop it in the water at night a light comes on automatically. Some may say its pricey, but I am satisfied. Good luck.

How long do these batteries last on a single charge? 8hr trip or 3 day fishing weekend?

[eyedaddy]

Thanks to all for the information it's been a tremendous help. As I said this will be my first hand held and all the features that were mentioned were what I was looking for in advise. I still have one question do any of these models have GPS on them or is that even available on a hand held?

[Cowpokey]

Thanks to all for the information it's been a tremendous help. As I said this will be my first hand held and all the features that were mentioned were what I was looking for in advise. I still have one question do any of these models have GPS on them or is that even available on a hand held?

The Standard Horizon HX 851, Icom M92D and Uniden MHS235 all have GPS.

[claymeister]

My son and I use a Cobra HH450 Camo model VHF radio. It Floats. Does the Marine Bands...Also has the Weather Band...and also does the GMRS radio service...
It has a rechargeable battery pack and a second pack that uses AA batteries for when you are away from the charger. It can monitor saved favorites of channels. It does not have GPS but that is what the Chartplotter/Fishfinder is for. And my Cell has the GPS feature in it.
It was $140 at BPS.