A handheld VHF ought to be part of the inventory of every yacht that ventures offshore. The MAIB report into the sinking of the Ouzo with the tragic loss of three lives pointed out that a submersible handheld VHF could have saved the crew's lives, as it would have enabled them to raise the alarm even once they were in the water.
For the same reason, RORC racing rules demand that competing yachts carry waterproof handhelds in their grab bags. A handheld can be a vital safety item on board, too. It's a useful back up if your batteries run down, or your mast goes over the side, and with it the antenna of your fixed set. (How long would it take you to fit an emergency aerial to the back of that flush-fitted fixed VHF?)
Even when your fixed VHF is in full working order, a handheld still comes into its own, not just as a safety item, particularly for those who cruise short-handed. Coming into harbour, for example, it is helpful to have all hands on deck.
And smaller boats, without a fixed set, may rely on a handheld for all their communication needs. But which to choose? It's got to be waterproof, obviously. This used to mean keeping a vulnerable handheld inside a waterproof case, which often made using the controls difficult, but now most sets are intrinsically waterproof. The Icom IC-M33 even floats!
Of the five sets we tested, the Entel HT 640 had the highest standard of waterproofing, IP68 (submersible to 5 metres for 60 mins). Next came the Icom IC -M71 at IPX8 (1.5 m for 30 mins) and the rest were all IPX7 (1m for 30 mins.)
This means that you wouldn't have to worry about wet hands or spray with any of them - and they should all work if you did end up in the water.
Transmission power is obviously important, too. The standard for handhelds is 1W on low power and 5W on high power. The Icom IC-M71 boats 6W on high power.
Our group test established that all five models did the job when it came to receiving and transmitting. There were minor variations in levels of hiss, pitch of speakers and so on, but nothing we could measure scientifically. They were all “fit for purpose,” as the saying goes.
Battery type is an important consideration, however. For best performance, Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries need to be completely drained before recharging. This is a potential problem: the battery might be nearly flat just when you need it.
The Raymarine Ray101E was the only one of the five we tested that came with Ni-MH batteries. This one did have the advantage that you could run it on standard AA alkaline batteries if you had to. But would you have time to change them in an emergency?
Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries are lighter and faster charging and can be recharged before they run flat, and so are a better choice for a handheld VHF. The two Icom models, the Nexus and the Entel all have Li-Ion batteries.
The Icom IC-M33 has a smaller battery (980mAh) to enable it to float. You might prefer the reassurance of the longer battery life of the Icom IC-M71 (2000mAh) and Entel HT 640 (1800mAh) - keeping them on a lanyard to make sure they didn't need to float!
Another factor to consider is the size of the screen. If you have less than perfect eyesight, and find it difficult to read once your specs are covered in spray, a large screen is important. If you have 20/20 vision, it will be lower on your list of priorities.
Your choice of handheld might also be influenced by hands free capability. Most have a range of optional extra microphones and headsets available, but of course that would add to the price.
There have been many well-publicised cases of people managing to summon the rescue services by mobile phone, but this is not something you should rely on. You might well be out of reception range just when you need to get an urgent message ashore. With a handheld VHF there's more chance that someone, whether the Coastguard or a passing ship, will hear your call.
As with all safety equipment, it's worth investing in the best you can afford. It will seem a very good bargain if you ever need to use it in anger. All of the radios in this test will do the job. Which is best for you is very much a matter of personal preference.
Ideally go to a marine electronics specialist and handle as many sets as you can. Compare the controls - how intuitive are they? How easy will the buttons be to press with wet or gloved hands? How comfortably does the set fit in your hand? If you have small hands it could be worth paying the slight premium for one of the ultra compact sets.
As someone who needs specs (and has fairly big hands), I chose the reasonably priced Entel HT 640, with its nice big screen, as my best buy. For those with better eyesight, who won't mind its smaller screen, Intel's ultra compact IC-M71 is an equally impressive performer.
They are TheMainSail's joint favourites from this test. But the other three are not far behind, sharing joint runners-up spot.
|
Entel HT 640 - £149
We like:
High standard of waterproofing
Long battery life
Fast charge time
Three year warranty
Big screen
We don't like:
The PTT (press to transmit) button also includes the high/low power button and the lamp button, which could cause confusion with wet or gloved fingers. |
 |
|
Icom IC M33 - £199
We like:
It's the only one that floats if dropped overboard
We don't like:
Relatively expensive
Low battery life Changing volume setting by keys takes too long
Small screen. |
 |
|
Icom M71 - £185
We like:
Ultra compact design
Simple clear controls
6W transmission power
We don't like:
Relatively small screen |
 |
|
Nexus NX 1500 - £165
We like:
Compact design
Big screen
Good battery life
We don't like:
Non-slip rubber jacket didn't fit properly over charger and jack sockets |
 |
|
Raymarine Ray 101E - £187
We like:
AA battery option
Big screen
Big, user-friendly buttons
Rotary squelch control
We don't like:
No scope for hands free accessories.
Ni-MH batteries. |
|
