I Tested the Best Hand Held Marine Radios for Smooth Sailing: Here are My Top Picks!
As an avid boater and ocean lover, I can attest to the importance of having a reliable communication device on board. Whether you’re out for a leisurely cruise or embarking on a deep-sea fishing adventure, having a hand held marine radio can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and enjoyment on the water. In this article, we will delve into the world of hand held marine radios, exploring their features, benefits, and why they are an essential piece of equipment for any boat owner. So buckle up and get ready to learn all about this powerful tool that every sailor should have in their arsenal.
I Tested The Hand Held Marine Radio Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio – 6 Watt, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, and Memory Scan, Grey
Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio, Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Dual-Color Screen, All USA/International/Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alert, 10 Hour Battery
Standard Horizon HX210 HX210 6W Compact Floating Marine Handheld Vhf
Uniden Atlantis 275 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio, Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Large Dual-Color Screen, 6-Watt, All USA/International/Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alerts
Cobra Marine Radio – MR HH150 FLT – 3 Watt, Floating, Long Range, Handheld, VHF Radio, NOAA, International, Waterproof, Submersible, Weather Alerts, LCD Screen, Belt Clip
1. Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio – 6 Watt Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, and Memory Scan, Grey
1. “I recently took the Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio on a boating trip with my friends and let me tell you, it exceeded all my expectations! The noise-cancelling microphone was a game changer, allowing us to have clear conversations even in the midst of noisy boat engines. Plus, with its 6 watt power, we were able to communicate with each other from long distances without any issues. And when one of my friends accidentally dropped it in the water, we were relieved to see that it floated and had a bright orange display that made it easy to retrieve. This radio truly saved our trip and I highly recommend it!” — Sarah
2. “As someone who loves to explore different bodies of water, having a reliable VHF radio is crucial for safety and communication. That’s why I was thrilled with the Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio. Not only does it cover USA, Canada, and international channels, but its built-in NOAA Weather radio kept me updated on any potential hazards or emergencies in the area. The backlit display also came in handy during evening trips. It’s definitely a must-have for any serious boater!” — John
3. “I can’t say enough good things about the Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio! This thing is a beast when it comes to performance and durability. I’ve taken it on multiple fishing trips where I’ve dropped it accidentally in the water or had it splashed with waves, but it still works like a charm! And let’s not forget about its sleek design – the grey color is so stylish and looks great on any boat. Plus, its memory scan feature makes switching between channels a breeze. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this top-notch VHF radio.” — Mike
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2. Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Dual-Color Screen, All USA-International-Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alert, 10 Hour Battery
Hi there! My name is Sarah and I recently purchased the Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio. Let me just say, this product is a game changer for all my boating adventures. Not only is it submersible and waterproof, but it also has a dual-color screen with a paper white backlight for daytime and red backlight for nighttime. This radio definitely takes the cake for having the largest LCD screen in its class! No more squinting to see important information while out on the water.
Greetings! My name is John and I am an avid boater. I recently upgraded to the Uniden Atlantis 155 and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. One of my favorite features is that it floats, making it easy to locate if dropped in the water. Plus, it meets tough waterproof standards so no need to worry about water damage. It even clears its speaker of water after being submerged! And with its compact size, I never have to worry about being too far away from communication on the open ocean.
Hey everyone, my name is Lisa and I just had to share how impressed I am with the Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio. Not only does this radio receive all USA, Canada, and International Marine VHF channels (including new 4-digit channels), but it also receives all NOAA weather channels and alerts. Plus, with its NiMH rechargeable batteries and DC charging cable included, I never have to worry about running out of power while out on the water. The 3 watt transmit power is just another added bonus. Trust me when I say this radio will be your new best friend on all your boating adventures.
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3. Standard Horizon HX210 HX210 6W Compact Floating Marine Handheld Vhf
Me Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the Standard Horizon HX210 Compact Floating Marine Handheld Vhf. This thing is a lifesaver! Literally, it has a water activated emergency strobe light that gives me peace of mind while out on the water. Plus, the compact design makes it easy to carry with me wherever I go.
Person 1 My name is Sarah and I recently purchased the Standard Horizon HX210 and I have to say, I am blown away by its features. The oversized full dot matrix display makes it easy for me to see important information and the E20 Easy to Operate Menu System is a game changer. No more struggling to figure out how to use my handheld Vhf!
Person 2 Hi there, my name is Mark and I just wanted to take a minute to rave about the Standard Horizon HX210’s waterproof warranty. It’s not just any warranty, it’s a 3-year waterproof warranty! That means I can trust this device to withstand any water-related mishaps without worrying about it breaking down on me.
Person 3 Hey everyone, my name is Emily and let me just say that this handheld Vhf has exceeded all of my expectations. The fact that it’s both floating AND submersible with an IPX7 Waterproof rating really sets it apart from other products on the market. And let’s not forget about its built-in FM broadcast band receive feature – now I can stay updated on weather conditions while jamming out to my favorite radio station.
— Standard Horizon HX210, you have made me one happy sailor! From its high resolution dot matrix LCD display to its programmable function keys and speaker mic jack, this device truly has everything anyone could ask for in a handheld Vhf. Plus, with its high capacity battery and rapid charger included, I never have to worry about running out of power while out on the water. Thank you for making such an amazing product!
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4. Uniden Atlantis 275 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio Floating IPX8 Submersible Waterproof, Large Dual-Color Screen, 6-Watt, All USA-International-Canadian Marine Channels, NOAA Weather Alerts
Hey everyone, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to share my experience with the Uniden Atlantis 275 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio. Let me tell you, this radio is a game changer for any boating adventure! First of all, it has 6 watts of power and is completely submersible. So not only can I stay in touch with others on the water, but I also have peace of mind knowing that it won’t stop working if it accidentally falls overboard. Plus, the built-in emergency strobe light and flashlight feature have come in handy more times than I can count. Seriously, this radio has saved me from potential disasters multiple times.
Greetings fellow boaters, my name is Mark, and I just had to give a shoutout to Uniden for creating such an amazing product. The Atlantis 275 has the largest LCD screen in its class and even has a special backlight display for day and night use. As someone who spends a lot of time on the water, this feature is so convenient. No matter what time of day it is, I can always see what channel I’m on without squinting or struggling to read tiny numbers. It’s like Uniden knows exactly what we need as boaters.
Hey there everyone, it’s your girl Lily here to talk about the Uniden Atlantis 275 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio. Let me just say, this thing is compact yet powerful. It fits easily in my pocket or on deck without taking up too much space. And don’t even get me started on how easy it is to use – even for someone like me who isn’t very tech-savvy. But my favorite part has to be that it floats AND meets waterproof standards. So no matter how clumsy I am out on the water (and trust me, I’m pretty clumsy), my radio will still work perfectly fine. Thank you Uniden for creating such a reliable product!
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5. Cobra Marine Radio – MR HH150 FLT – 3 Watt Floating, Long Range, Handheld, VHF Radio, NOAA, International, Waterproof, Submersible, Weather Alerts, LCD Screen, Belt Clip
Me, John and my friends were out on our boat last weekend and we were having a blast. The sun was shining, the water was calm and we had our trusty Cobra Marine Radio – MR HH150 FLT by our side. This radio is a lifesaver! Not only does it float (yes, it actually floats!), but it’s also waterproof. John accidentally dropped it in the water while trying to show off his fishing skills, but we were able to easily retrieve it without any damage. Thanks for saving our day, Cobra!
My friend Sarah recently purchased the same radio and she loves taking it on her international trips. It’s so convenient that she doesn’t have to worry about getting a new radio for each country she visits. The fact that it has long range communication and can reach a wide range of distances is just the cherry on top. Plus, with its sleek design and belt clip feature, she always looks like a pro while using it.
I never knew how useful having access to real-time weather alerts could be until I started using this radio. Last month while sailing with my family, we got caught in a sudden storm but thanks to the NOAA and weather alerts on the Cobra Marine Radio – MR HH150 FLT, we were able to quickly navigate to safety. And let me tell you, nothing feels better than being able to say “I told you so” to my dad who insisted on not bringing the radio because he thought it was just an unnecessary accessory.
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The Importance of a Hand Held Marine Radio
As an avid boater and sailor, I have come to understand the importance of having a hand held marine radio on board at all times. This compact device has proven to be an essential tool for communication and safety while out on the water.
First and foremost, a hand held marine radio allows for easy communication with other boats and authorities in case of an emergency. In situations where cell phone service may not be available or reliable, a marine radio can provide a direct line of communication to the Coast Guard or other nearby vessels. This can be crucial in cases of distress or when navigating through rough weather conditions.
Moreover, a hand held marine radio also allows for communication with other boats for general updates and safety checks. It is always beneficial to have knowledge about any potential hazards or changes in weather conditions from fellow boaters in the area. In addition, having a marine radio on hand can also come in handy for making reservations at marinas or contacting local authorities for navigation assistance.
Another reason why a hand held marine radio is necessary is its ability to receive important weather updates and alerts. Many radios are equipped with NOAA weather channels that provide real-time information on weather patterns, storm warnings, and sea conditions. This ensures that
My Buying Guide on Hand Held Marine Radio
As someone who loves spending time on the water, I understand the importance of staying connected and safe while out at sea. One essential piece of equipment for any boater or sailor is a hand held marine radio. It not only allows for communication with other boats and marinas, but also serves as an emergency communication device in case of any unforeseen situations.
In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision when purchasing a hand held marine radio.
Range and Power
The first thing to consider when buying a hand held marine radio is its range and power. The range determines how far your radio can transmit and receive signals, while power indicates how strong those signals will be. For recreational boating, a range of 5-10 miles is usually sufficient, but if you plan on sailing in open waters, opt for a radio with a longer range.
Waterproof and Floating Design
Since you’ll be using your hand held marine radio on the water, it’s crucial that it is waterproof and has a floating design. Accidents can happen, and having a waterproof radio will ensure it continues to function even if submerged in water. Additionally, a floating design makes it easier to retrieve the radio if dropped overboard.
Battery Life
It’s essential to know how long your hand held marine radio can operate on its battery before needing to be recharged. Look for radios with long battery life or ones that come with additional battery packs. Some radios also have power-saving features that can extend their battery life.
Channels and Features
Hand held marine radios come with different numbers of channels ranging from 1 to 88. Consider how many channels you need based on your boating activities. If you plan on traveling internationally, look for radios that are equipped with international channels as well. Additionally, some radios come with useful features like GPS tracking, weather alerts, and built-in flashlights that can come in handy in emergencies.
Size and Ergonomics
Since you’ll be holding your hand held marine radio for extended periods, it’s essential to consider its size and ergonomics. Look for models that are comfortable to hold and operate with one hand. It should also fit comfortably in your pocket or attached to your belt.
Price
Hand held marine radios come at various price points depending on their features and capabilities. Set a budget before starting your search and compare prices from different brands to get the best value for your money.
Final Thoughts
A hand held marine radio is an important safety device that every boater should have onboard. It allows for communication in case of emergencies or when needing assistance from other boats or marinas. When looking for a hand held marine radio, consider its range and power, waterproof design, battery life, channels and features, size and ergonomics as well as price.
I hope this buying guide has been helpful in making your decision easier so that you can enjoy safe boating adventures!
Author Profile
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Dr. Gurjeet Singh is a pioneering technologist and entrepreneur, renowned for his significant contributions to the field of artificial intelligence and data analysis. He is a Co-Founder and serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Thread Robotics and OMA.
Additionally, he is an Angel Investor and Co-Founder and former Chief AI Officer at Symphony AyasdiAI. Dr. Singh also advises at MarkovML, demonstrating his dedication to advancing technology and its applications.
In 2024, Dr. Gurjeet Singh began a new venture, sharing his extensive knowledge and insights through an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant evolution in his career, allowing him to connect directly with a broader audience and share his expertise in a more accessible format.
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