Waterproof Marine radios-Is there such a thing?

[ezmarc]

I need a new radio, I have an open single console boat with no convenient dry location for my radio other than tucked away in a storage compartment. Any suggestions and experience with different radios would be greatly appreciated.

[PWaldow123]

Have owned a hummingbird for the last 7 years. Has been out in wind, rain, snow, waves, etc. It has never missed a beat. It is not the hand held one, this one mounts on your dash. I'm not even sure if they still make it.

Paul

[phil]

EZ:
I've got a Raytheon - forget the model number off hand, but I believe the Raytheon radios are guaranteed waterproof.

I've got it mounted on my console. It can be unplugged and removed from your boat when not in use. Due to a screw up by my dealer who rigged my boat last year, I couldn't remove it this past winter. Sat outside, unprotected in the cold, rain, snow and ice. It still works just fine, not one problem. Not real expensive either, probably under $200.00. Fairly small footprint too, about 4" W X 6" L X 3" H. I use it with a 10' Shakespeare fiberglass antenna.

Just my experience.
Phil

[Kaz]

EZ: Check out Cabela's, as they will specify which are waterproof and warranty it. Some are weather-proof, others are water-proof. Other dealers are the same. Check one out in your area. Good luck FISHING....Kaz

[Kaz]

EZ: Check out Cabela's or a store in your area. The manufactures will specify "waterproof" or "weatherproof". Weatherproof may not be waterproof. Good luck FISHING...Kaz

[EB]

I had the Hummingbird VHF mounted in the open for 6 years in all weather and it never missed a beat. If my memory serves me correct they once did a promo of this radio sitting on the bottom of an aquarium with the power on. I don't know if I'd go that far, but I loved the radio. Good points about waterproof vs. water resistant. Good luck!

[ezmarc]

Thanks for the responses, I've been digging around on the net and like the size and price of the the Ray 45.

There are lots of radios that say they're weather resistant but few that say waterproof. Most waterproof radios come with a 3 year water damage warranty. I'll be putting that warranty to the test soon, cause anytime we need rain or shore erosion in northern Ohio all I have to do is put the boat in the water and go out about 15 miles.

[vetspet(ind)]

the most waterproof unit i know of it humingbird but i think they quit making it...i have three radios and the hummer has been with me for about ten yrs w/o one problem...only thing i don't like about it is it is not very programmable either scans everything or 16 and your single choice...other than that it is super waterproof and reliable....i used to keep my radio aboard but moisture builds up under the cover and my king radio began having electrical problems which i always thought was due to leaving it in the boat with the high humidity under the cover...so i keep all electronics in a dry place now and never seem to have any problems...steve...not that big a deal to mount them prior to fishing...

[cisco]

You are correct. My Ratheon has withstood some pretty healthy rainstorms -- with NO ill effects. They make a fine radio.

[jerryr]

I had a Shakespeare and it crapped out after 2 years due to moisture problems when wet weather occurred. I bought a Raytheon 45 this Spring after getting good recommendations on this site. So far so good, and it's been out in some rain, but not a lot yet. I've also heard a lot of good things about the waterproofness of the Hummingbirds as the previous posts indicate. The owner of the resort we go to in Canada swears by the Hummingbirds to performance in wet weather. He has them in his guide boats which see extreme conditions. I'd say a Hummer or Ratheon would be the way to go. Good luck.