In the wake of Thomas's fog adventure (and who hasn't had a fog adventure this June) there's been a surge of interest in handheld radios. My hubby, and Rock n Row booster club chairman, Stefan, was kind enough to write up this recommendation for us. No more excuses- get your radio and get out there.
"Stephanie mentioned that Thomas’s row to Egg Rock got a bit sticky and that a GPS and a handheld VHF could have helped Thomas get home safely.
All the handhelds share basic functionality such as Channel 16/9 emergency/hailing channels, dual/tri watch (listening to two or three channels at the same time), auto squelch, scanning, and NOAA weather alerts. These are the basics!
Additional features make some radios better suited for rowing. You may want to look for one that floats, is submersible to 3ft, and is GPS enabled.
Stephanie has been using an ICOM M34 floating, submersible radio on her rows. It’s a great radio which is pretty light & compact, with a great battery life (approx. 8-12 hours.) I have been using it as a back up to my fixed VHF on my boat, too.
Cost is roughly - $150 online for ICOM
http://www.hodgesmarine.com/ICOM-M34-HANDHELD-VHF-RADIO-p/icom3401.htm
I just bought another portable handheld radio about a month ago, which will be replacing Stephanie's current VHF. It’s a Standard Horizon hx850s. This one includes GPS with DSC emergency calling. It’s the first handheld VHF that is capable of sending a distress signal with GPS coordinates over CH. 70. About the same size, seems a bit a lighter and battery life seems great so far.
Cost - $220 online.
http://www.hodgesmarine.com/Standard-Hx850s-Handheld-Vhf-W-Gps-p/stahx850s.htm
Bottom line- Find a portable, floating, submersible handheld, VHF radio with Li-ion rechargeable batteries."
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Both great recommendations. My I add my 2cents worth? Buy a DRY BAG. Great for storing the radio, cell phone and other stuff you want to keep dry. They come in many sizes.
ReplyDeleteWaterproof chart of Salem Bay area (or the area you are planning to row around)
THANKS STEPH!
Thank you Stephanie and Stefan, and Jack for this information.
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