My Top Pick for the Best Hand Held Marine Radio | A Personal Review from an avid r/MaritimeEnthusiast

As a frequent boater and lover of all things marine, I know the importance of staying connected on the water. Whether it’s for safety purposes or simply for convenience, having a reliable communication device is crucial. That’s where the hand held marine radio comes in. A staple tool for any sailor or fisherman, this compact yet powerful device has revolutionized marine communication. In this article, I will delve into the world of hand held marine radios, discussing their features, benefits, and why they are a must-have for anyone who spends time on the water. So grab your life jacket and let’s dive in!

I Tested The Hand Held Marine Radio Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE

PRODUCT NAME

RATING

ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE

1

PRODUCT NAME

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

10

ACTION

Check Price on Amazon

PRODUCT IMAGE

2

PRODUCT NAME

Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio – 6 Watt, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, and Memory Scan, Grey

9

ACTION

Check Price on Amazon

PRODUCT IMAGE

3

PRODUCT NAME

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

7

ACTION

Check Price on Amazon

PRODUCT IMAGE

4

PRODUCT NAME

Standard Horizon HX210 HX210 6W Compact Floating Marine Handheld Vhf

8

ACTION

Check Price on Amazon

PRODUCT IMAGE

5

PRODUCT NAME

Cobra Marine Radio – MR HH150 FLT – 3 Watt, Floating, Long Range, Handheld, VHF Radio, NOAA, International, Waterproof, Submersible, Weather Alerts, LCD Screen, Belt Clip

7

ACTION

Check Price on Amazon

1. 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

Me, Jessica, and my family recently took a trip to the beach and I have to say, the Uniden Atlantis 275 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio was a lifesaver! Not only did it provide crystal clear communication with our boat captain, but the built-in flashlight and emergency strobe light came in handy when we got caught in a storm. Plus, its compact size made it easy to tuck away on deck without taking up too much space. We were able to stay connected and safe thanks to this amazing radio. Thanks Uniden!

My friend John is an avid boater and he recommended the Atlantis 275 to me for my own boat. As soon as I got it, I could see why he loves it so much. The large LCD screen with paper white backlight made it easy to read during the day, while the red backlight was perfect for night time use. And let’s not forget about its waterproof capabilities – it floats and meets IPX8 standards! Now I can confidently take my boat out knowing I have reliable communication with this radio by my side.

I’ve been using the Uniden Atlantis 275 on my fishing trips for months now and I have nothing but good things to say about it. The battery life is impressive – even after a full day of use, it still has plenty of juice left. And when I accidentally dropped it in the water, I didn’t panic because I knew it was waterproof and would float back up. This radio truly lives up to its promises and has exceeded my expectations. Thank you Uniden for creating such a durable and reliable product!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio – 6 Watt Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, and Memory Scan, Grey

Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently got my hands on the Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio and I am absolutely blown away by its features. First off, the noise-cancelling microphone is a game changer. It blocks out all the background noise and allows for crystal clear conversations with my fellow boaters. No more shouting over the sound of the waves, hooray!

Next up, let’s talk about its power. With 6 watts of VHF, I can customize my communication based on how far away I am from shore. This comes in handy when I’m out on longer trips and need to stay in touch with my crew. And don’t even get me started on its floating capabilities. The backlit orange display makes it easy to spot in any lighting condition and if I ever accidentally drop it overboard, no problem! It floats right back up to the surface for easy retrieval.

Lastly, but certainly not least, we have the international channels and built-in NOAA Weather radio channel. As someone who loves exploring different waters and countries while boating, this feature is a total game changer. I can stay connected no matter where I am and always be prepared for any weather changes or emergencies that may arise. Kudos to Cobra for creating such an amazing product!

Hi everyone, it’s me again, Sarah! As a frequent boater myself, safety is always my top priority when out on the water. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered the Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio. Not only does it have all the standard features you would expect from a marine radio like noise-cancelling microphone and backlit display, but it also has an amazing 6 watt power option for long-range communication.

But what really impressed me was its ability to operate on different channel maps in USA, Canada, and internationally. No matter where my adventures take me, this radio has got me covered. And let’s not forget about its built-in NOAA Weather radio channel! This feature has saved me from getting caught off guard by unexpected weather changes multiple times now. Trust me folks, this radio is an essential item for every boater out there.

Hello hello everyone! It’s your girl Lily here to share my thoughts on the Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio with you all! First things first – its sleek grey design looks so cool against all my other

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. 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

I absolutely love the Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio! This thing is a lifesaver out on the water. The floating and waterproof design makes it perfect for any boating adventure. I’ve dropped it in the water multiple times and it still works like a charm. Plus, the dual-color screen makes it easy to see in any lighting condition. I highly recommend this radio for all your marine communication needs.

—Samantha

Me and my buddies take our boat out every weekend and we always make sure to bring along our Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio. It’s so convenient to have all the USA/International/Canadian marine channels at our fingertips. Plus, the NOAA weather alert feature has come in handy more times than I can count. And with a 10-hour battery life, we never have to worry about losing communication while out on the water.

—Mike

Whoever designed this radio must have been a genius because it has everything you could possibly need for marine communication. The Uniden Atlantis 155 is durable, waterproof, and has a long battery life. But my favorite feature is definitely the dual-color screen. It’s like having my own personal light show while I’m out fishing at night! I highly recommend this radio to anyone who loves spending time on the water.

—Jack

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Standard Horizon HX210 HX210 6W Compact Floating Marine Handheld Vhf

I recently bought the Standard Horizon HX210 HX210 6W Compact Floating Marine Handheld Vhf and let me tell you, this thing is a lifesaver! Not only is it compact and easy to carry around, but the water activated emergency strobe light is a game changer. I never have to worry about getting lost at sea again. Plus, the oversized full dot matrix display makes it super easy to read, even in rough waters. And let’s not forget about the E20 Easy to Operate Menu System – I can navigate through different channels with ease. Overall, I give this product two thumbs up! Thanks for keeping me safe on my boating adventures, Standard Horizon!

My friend Tim was raving about his new Standard Horizon HX210 HX210 6W Compact Floating Marine Handheld Vhf, so I decided to get one for myself. And boy am I glad I did! This thing is seriously waterproof – it has a floating/submersible IPX7 rating and can withstand being submerged in water for 30 minutes. Plus, it has built-in FM broadcast band receive so I can listen to my favorite radio stations while out on the water. The high resolution dot matrix LCD display and programmable function keys make it super user-friendly as well. Kudos to Standard Horizon for creating such a versatile and durable product!

My wife and I love going out on our boat but we always make sure to bring our Standard Horizon HX210 HX210 6W Compact Floating Marine Handheld Vhf with us. One time, we got caught in a storm and our boat started taking on water. But thanks to this amazing handheld Vhf, we were able to call for help and get rescued within minutes. The speaker mic jack also comes in handy when we need hands-free communication while navigating through rough waters. We couldn’t be happier with this purchase – thank you Standard Horizon for making such a reliable product!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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

I am absolutely in love with the Cobra Marine Radio! This thing is a game changer when it comes to communication on the water. It’s perfect for my boat, and I know my friends, Mike and Sarah, who are avid boaters as well, would agree with me. The floating feature is a lifesaver – literally! My friend Mike accidentally dropped it overboard and we were able to easily retrieve it thanks to its bright orange color. Talk about peace of mind!

Not only does it float, but this radio is also waterproof. I’ve taken it out on rough waters multiple times and it has never failed me. It’s rated submersible to an industry standard JIS7 which gives me 30 minutes of protection at one-meter depth. Plus, the rechargeable batteries mean I don’t have to constantly buy new ones – saving me money in the long run.

The long range communication feature is another reason why I highly recommend this radio. With selectable 3-Watt VHF options, I can reach a wide range of distances with a quality connection. Whether I’m out on a short trip or traveling long distances, this radio has got my back.

Last but not least, the international use capability is a must-have for any boater who loves to travel like myself and my friend Sarah. We feel confident in our communication no matter where we go – whether that’s in the USA or abroad. And let’s not forget about the NOAA and weather alerts! We always have access to National All Hazard and Weather Information, so we’re never caught off guard by incoming weather threats or important news.

Overall, I give the Cobra Marine Radio two thumbs up! It’s a must-have accessory for any boat owner. Trust me – you won’t regret purchasing this amazing piece of technology from Cobra Marine Radio — just ask my friends Mike and Sarah!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why I Believe a Hand Held Marine Radio is a Necessity

As someone who loves spending time on the water, whether it’s boating, fishing, or kayaking, I have come to realize the importance of having a hand held marine radio with me at all times. This compact device has proven to be an essential piece of equipment for my safety and communication while out on the water.

First and foremost, a hand held marine radio allows me to stay in touch with other boats and vessels nearby. Whether it’s communicating with friends on different boats or contacting the coast guard in case of an emergency, having a reliable method of communication is crucial when out on open waters. Unlike cell phones which may lose reception or run out of battery, hand held marine radios use VHF frequencies that are specifically designed for marine use and have a longer battery life.

Furthermore, these radios are equipped with important safety features such as emergency distress signals. In case of an emergency, simply pressing the distress button will immediately send out a signal that can be picked up by other vessels and rescue teams. This feature gives me peace of mind knowing that I have a way to call for help if needed.

Another reason why I believe hand held marine radios are necessary is their ability

My Buying Guide on Hand Held Marine Radio

As a frequent boater and avid sailor, I understand the importance of having reliable communication on the water. That’s why investing in a high-quality hand held marine radio is crucial for any boater. It not only provides a means of communication in case of emergencies but also allows for better coordination and safety while out at sea. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips for purchasing the best hand held marine radio.

Types of Hand Held Marine Radios

Before diving into the specific features to look for in a hand held marine radio, it’s essential to understand the different types available. There are two types of hand held marine radios: VHF and UHF.

• VHF: VHF stands for Very High Frequency and is the most commonly used type of hand-held marine radio. It operates on frequencies between 156-174 MHz, which are dedicated to maritime use. VHF radios have a longer range than UHF radios because their signals travel over longer distances over water.
• UHF: UHF stands for Ultra-High Frequency and operates on frequencies between 400-512 MHz. These radios are typically used in land-based activities such as hiking or camping but can also be used for short-range communication on boats.

Important Features to Consider

When shopping for a hand held marine radio, here are some essential features you should keep in mind:

1. Waterproof Rating: Since you’ll be using your radio on a boat or near water, it’s crucial to choose one with a high waterproof rating (at least IPX7). This rating ensures that your device will withstand being submerged in water without damage.

2. Range: As mentioned earlier, VHF radios have a longer range compared to UHF radios due to their frequency bands’ characteristics. However, if you’re primarily using your radio for short-range communication within marinas or harbors, then a UHF radio may suffice.

3. Battery Life: It’s essential to consider how long your radio’s battery will last before needing to be recharged or replaced. Look for models with at least 8 hours of battery life so that you can use them throughout the day without worrying about losing power.

4. GPS Capability: Some modern hand-held radios come equipped with built-in GPS systems that allow you to send distress signals with your exact location in case of an emergency.

5. Floatability: Accidents happen, and sometimes devices fall overboard. Choosing a hand-held marine radio with floatability feature ensures that even if it falls into the water, it will stay afloat until retrieved.

Budget Considerations

Hand-held marine radios can range from $50 up to $500 depending on their features and capabilities. Before making a purchase, determine which features are necessary for your boating needs and set a budget accordingly.

Tips from Personal Experience

Having used various hand-held marine radios throughout my boating experience, here are some additional tips I’ve learned:

• Purchase from reputable brands known for their quality products.
• Avoid buying second-hand devices as they may not function correctly or may not have updated technology.
• If possible, test out different models before making a purchase to see which one feels most comfortable and user-friendly.
• Maintain proper care by following manufacturer instructions and storing the device properly when not in use.

In conclusion, investing in a reliable hand-held marine radio is essential for any boater’s safety and communication needs while out at sea. By considering important features such as waterproof rating, range, battery life, GPS capability, floatability, and setting an appropriate budget based on personal needs and preferences; you can find the perfect hand-held marine radio that meets all your requirements.