Hand held radio ship to shore

Hey guys I was looking at a radio for my boat that is handheld and under 150 bucks. What are some things to look for since I'm new to these? Thanks

[1860Angler]

Not sure where or how you plan on using it, but a handheld only has a 5 watt transmitter and a fixed mount has a 25 watt transmitter, 5 times the power, couple that with a 6" antenna on the handheld vs. a 4-8' on the fixed mount and the handheld range is not very good. I have a buddy that has a Lowrance handheld and I have a Lowrance LVR-880 fixed mount, in Canada his radio is pretty much useless, I can talk to everyone else in our group, but not him. If you want a radio that works when you need it, I would suggest spending a little more $$ and get a fixed mount, the last thing you want is for it not to work when you need it the most!! I like my Lowrance, but would also consider a RayMarine Ray 49.

[crzytoad75]

1860 is right on the hand held range/power, I use a Uniden Atlantis 250 hand held. Don't expect it the go very far on lakes that have a lot of woody shores or lots of separated bays. It's worked well for what I've needed it to do though. Mostly it's on for weather reports, chatting with buddies or just plain being nosy listening to other people. I mostly use it on wide open lakes and rivers. I did have it on Lake Erie two weeks ago and was talking with people that were out of eye shot. I wouldn't count on it to call in a tow from 10 miles out but then again 99% of the places I fish have cell phone coverage. I didn't want a big antenna and fixed mount radio taking up space on my dash either.

[jjk]

I agree 100% with the guys. And like everyone has said I didn't want the fixed "in the way" either but you will be glad it is there when you need it and honestly I don't even notice mine any more.

[yarcraft91]

I bought a handheld for my small boat and got tired of being unable to hear and be heard, so I got an adapter, stuck an 8' antenna in a rod holder and tied the two together. Handhelds have good range if you use a good antenna.

[1860Angler]

Originally Posted by yarcraft91

I bought a handheld for my small boat and got tired of being unable to hear and be heard, so I got an adapter, stuck an 8' antenna in a rod holder and tied the two together. Handhelds have good range if you use a good antenna.

I agree that it will be better with a longer antenna but not good, the handheld still only has 5 watts of transmitter power vs. 25 watts with a fixed radio. The fixed will be much better if distance or obstacles are a concern.

[ffishman]

Years ago, before these radios became popular, we used CB's. The range on them was much better than the little hand held radios of today.

[jhebert]

Originally Posted by Walleyeguru705

Hey guys I was looking at a radio for my boat that is handheld and under 150 bucks. What are some things to look for since I'm new to these? Thanks

At the less-than-$150 price point you will just get a basic hand-held radio. You should consider:

--the transmitter power
--the receiver sensitivity
--the resistance to damage from water
--the battery life