5 Best VHF Radios for Yachting

Modern VHF radios have a wide range of capabilities and specifications. Thanks to advancements in technology, many of them support GPS, automatic SOS (Mayday), MOB alert, satellite messages and even AIS.

Additionally, most VHF walkie talkies are waterproof with IPX7/8 rating and are unsinkable. To make it even more convenient to find a radio that has fallen overboard, some manufacturers equip their products with strobe lights. Other delights include different types of charging - some radios can be charged using a regular USB cable, and some have the function of charging from a DC source via a 12 V outlet.

Choosing the right VHF station model will greatly improve your safety on the water. After reviewing the presented models, you can determine which one best suits your requirements and operating conditions. We hope that our review will help you make the right choice.

Radio station Icom IC-M94DE

The Icom IC-M94DE portable VHF radio offers an extensive range of features and capabilities. This device can withstand immersion in water for up to 30 minutes and has built-in GPS and AIS receivers. The GPS navigation feature allows you to store up to 50 waypoints and set MOB (man overboard) markers.

Icom IC-M94DE has a 2400 mAh battery that allows you to use it for 10 hours. The kit includes a charger and stand. The manufacturer also provided the possibility of charging from a 12V outlet, but the corresponding cable is optional.

Characteristics of Icom IC-M94DE: 

• Operating time: 16 hours (in signal receiving mode)
• Waterproof: IPX7
• Unsinkable: yes
• Weight: 367 g

Advantages: Built-in AIS, DSC/GPS, easy-to-read contrast screen.

Disadvantages: A large number of functions can reduce battery life; the radio is heavier than competitors.

Cobra HH600 DSC radio

The Cobra HH600 DSC has proven itself to be a reliable radio at an affordable price. It floats well, does not sink, has a built-in GPS receiver and DSC, as well as a Bluetooth module that allows you to redirect signals to your smartphone.

The radio has IPX8 protection and a strobe light. One of the interesting features is the noise canceling technology, which reduces background noise during use. The kit includes adapters for charging from AC and DC (12V), as well as a case with spare batteries in case the built-in 2000 mAh battery runs out.

Cobra HH600 DSC Specifications: 

• Working time: 10 hours
• Waterproof: IPX8
• Unsinkable: yes
• Weight: 329 g

Advantages: DSC support, bright body colors, Bluetooth support.

Disadvantages: limited battery life.

Standard Horizon HX890E VHF radio

The Standard Horizon HX890E is a rugged, waterproof and floating walkie-talkie with built-in GPS and FM radio. The Group Monitor feature allows you to simultaneously monitor up to nine nearby vessels. This device is equipped with a 66-channel WAAS/GPS receiver that displays your current position and automatically attaches it to a DSC distress alert when activated. The 2.3-inch display is large enough and offers high contrast for easy reading.

The delivery set includes a charger for AC 240V and DC 12V. In addition to the main 1800 mAh battery, the kit includes a set of spare batteries.

Specifications Standard Horizon HX890E:

• Operating time: 27 hours in channel monitoring mode
• Waterproof: IPX8
• Unsinkable: yes
• Weight: 310 g

Advantages: screen with good contrast, waterproof housing, built-in DSC and GPS.

Disadvantages: high price, large dimensions compared to competitors.

Icom M37E radio

For those who are looking for practicality rather than wide functionality, the Icom M37E is the optimal choice. This model, like older versions of the same manufacturer, has excellent IPX8 protection. Although the device does not support DSC or GPS, it does offer the ability to monitor two or three channels, quick access to channel 16, setting up your preferred communication channels and giving them your own names.

The radio is equipped with a 2000 mAh lithium-ion battery, which provides up to 18 hours of operation in power-saving mode. The kit includes an AC adapter and stand, as well as an optional 12V charging cable. The case has an additional compartment for AAA batteries.

Characteristics of Icom M37E:

• Working time: about 48 hours (standby)
• Waterproof: IPX8
• Unsinkable: yes
• Weight: 299 g

Advantages: A simple but reliable radio station with a convenient contrast screen.

Disadvantages: no DSC and GPS.

Radio station Cobra MR HH500 FLT BT

The Cobra MR HH500 FLT BT portable radio has a number of interesting features. One of the key ones is the “Rewind” function, which allows you to listen to the last program again. The device is also equipped with a built-in Bluetooth transmitter, which expands its usability.

A special feature of this model is a charger with a double stand, which supports connection to both 12V and 240V networks. It also comes with an extra battery tray that can hold five AA batteries for longer battery life.

Specifications Cobra MR HH500:

• Working time: about 10 hours
• Waterproof: IPX7
• Unsinkable: yes
• Weight: 272 g

Advantages: floating, waterproof radio with Bluetooth connectivity.

Disadvantages: lack of support for DSC and GPS, relatively short battery life.

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06.07.2024