VHF suggestions ?

[mg2969]

Anybody have any suggestions for a handheld marine VHF radio ?

Also do you need a license to operate like GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) devices or just buy and go like the FRS (Family Radio Service) devices.

Thanks
mg

[PerryC]

MG,
You don't need a license for the handhelds. For good ones, I use one of the Standard Horizons and like it pretty good. There are lots of brands out there now though that make good radios. If you goto westmarines website, they have customer reviews of different brands that may help you out. Or, just do a google search for "handheld vhf radio reviews" and see what pops up. I would just suggest to get one that is JIS-7 rated I believe it is. That means it's waterproof to the point where you can dunk it and it should still work afterwards. The lesser radios are splashproof which means if it's on deck and gets a small bit of water splashed on it, it should still work. Personally, I don't think that's a good way to think of your communications device, and don't recommend them.

Also, consider if you're going to keep the radio in a dry bag of some type, or just a leash or lanyard of some type on it. The radio bags will usually float them if you flip over and the leash/lanyard should also keep it with you. There are a few radios and fishing rods us kayakers have donated to the ocean already, no need to add to it .

Perry