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What is one of the most important pieces of safety gear on your boat or kayak? If you spend time in the ocean or miles from the launch, then a kayak VHF marine radio should be at the top of your list. The Kayak or small boat VHF radio enables us to carry on conversations over long distances, call for help, get weather updates and can be used to get alerted to a hot bite in another location. But VHF radios for recreational boaters are primarily a safety item because its the first thing most boaters reach for in an emergency.
Such an important piece of gear needs to be considered carefully. You want to be sure it will last under the demanding conditions of marine use and that it will perform without issue when an emergency occurs. for use in a Kayak you want a radio that is compact and one that can get VERY wet and handle lots of bumps. Our top pick handheld marine vhf radio is the Uniden MHS75.
Uniden MHS75 Waterproof Handheld Product Review
Waterproof Handheld 2-Way VHF Marine radio, Submersible
This is a great kayak VHF radio for several reasons. The Uniden MHS75 VHF marine radio is designed for ease of use in rough conditions. It boasts a superior display over many smaller handheld marine radios. It is a very large display that’s clear and therefore easier to operate. To make it easy to find your radio in dark or stormy conditions we have added glow in the dark seals and lit power keys for easy identification.
Battery life is very important with any emergency electronics. The Uniden VHF radio has 3 levels of power to fit your immediate needs and helps conserve power. There are 3 levels to choose from 1, 2.5 and 5 watts let you conserve battery life when needed or maximize output with a push of a button. When maximum transmission is needed just push the Power Boost button for instant full power. For normal use just set the wattage to 1 or 2.5 to maintain a long battery life.
Key Points
- Submersible
- Marine (VHF) Two-Way plus General-Mobile-Radio-Service
- 1 and 2.5Watt (VHF) + Power Boost 5 watt PTT Key
- Battery Life Up To 10 Hrs
VHF Radio Details
| Brand | Uniden |
| Color | MHS75 |
| Channels | 16 |
| Number of Batteries | 1 AA battery (included) |
| Radio Type | VHF |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.4 x 6.2 x 3.4 inches |
- JIS8 Waterproof Level – Uniden MHS75 VHF Handheld Radio is made to be on or in the water. From morning drizzle to downpours and whitecaps, this VHF radio can take it. Built rugged to take bumps and drops this radio will last. Full JIS8 waterproof rating means you can turn it on and forget about it. Submersible to five feet for up to 30 minutes. And of course it features a fully functional floating design.
- Customizable power selection of 1, 2.5 and 5 Watt selection – Choose Wattage for short- and long-range communication – conserve battery life when needed with lower power. 1 Watt power is often all that’s required. Under long distance circumstances or having trouble getting good reception, transmission boosts to 2.5 Watts or 5 Watts is an option
- The Uniden VHF marine radio covers all USA and Canadian communications. Stay up-to-date with all the latest marine activity.
- NOAA Weather Channels and includes Weather Alert Function – This radio comes preprogrammed with NOAA weather channels. During a weather emergency get alerted with the latest weather warnings as well as any local or national emergencies. If a weather warning is issued while this feature is on, you will hear an alert tone. Following the warning tone the emergency/weather broadcast will be heard.
- Triple Watch channel function. This mode monitors channels 16 and 9 for activity while you listen to another active channel. The marine radio checks channel 16 and 9 for activity every 2 seconds.
VHF Marine Radio Basics
What Is A “Marine VHF Radio”?
VHF stands for Very High Frequency. It is the range of frequencies used by the marine community for communication between boats, bridge operators, marinas and landings as well as the US Coast Guard. These radios are not required for small recreational boats but it is highly recommended to have one for obvious safety reasons. Some say they will just use their cell phone or a walkie-talkie but a marine vhf radio has many benefits over these choices.
VHF radios not only allow for communication between boaters or the coast guard. Most VHF radios provide National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration channels that provide up to the minute weather forecasts and warning alerts.
Do I Need a License To Use A VHF Radio?
It is not necessary to purchase a license for a VHF Marine Radio. This is true if you are a recreational boater traveling within the United States.
Do I Have To Listen To A Specific Channel When I have My VHF Radio On?
When using your vhf radio, it’s a good idea to maintain a watch on VHF Channel 16. Urgent marine information broadcasts, such as storm warnings or other important statements can be announced by the Coastguard. This is the channel to use for distress calls as well and you may be able to help someone if they are nearby. Otherwise, you are free to use channels designated for public communications.
How Do I Operate My VHF Radio?
- Change your radio to the channel you want to be on. Be sure not to use 16 unless it is an emergency.
- If necessary, turn the “Squelch” control knob as low as possible without hearing static.
- Push the button on the microphone or side of the handheld radio to talk.
- Speak in a normal voice.
- When done talking, take your finger OFF the button. Listen to hear the other persons response.
Which VHF Channels Can I Use?
- CHANNEL 9: General ‘hailing’ or calling channel. (Establish contact on this channel with those in your party or who you wish to communicate with and move to a “working channel” agreed upon by you.)
- CHANNEL 16: Emergency, Hailing and Distress calls only.
- CHANNEL 22: Coast Guard use only. If you make contact with the Coast Guard on another channel they may ask you to switch to this channel for further communications.
- CHANNEL 13: Communication with bridges.
- CHANNELS 68, 69, 71, 72, 78A: “Recreational Channels.” The only channels available to non-commercial boats.
- Other CHANNELS: There are many other channels but they are likely restricted to recreational boaters.
Runner Up Best VHF Marine Radio
Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio
| Brand | Cobra |
| Color | Grey |
| Number of Channels | 16 |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Tuner Technology | VHF |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 2.09 x 2.66 x 4.75 inches |
- Maximum Coverage – This VHF marine radio allows operation of channels in the US, Canada, and internationally at 1, 3, or 6 watts with for short and long range communication, and access to NOAA weather channels.
- Safety First – Scan channels to find conversations in progress and have instant access to Channel 16 for emergency situations. Use the Tri-Watch feature to monitor three channels at once (Channel 16 and two user selected channel).
- Sea Ready – Floating design and orange core makes retrieving your radio easy if dropped overboard, and meeting JIS7 (IPX7) standards allows your radio to be submersed for 30 minutes at one meter deep.
- Clear Communication – Burp Feature vibrates the water out of the speaker grill and improves speaker performance, while the noise cancelling microphone blocks background noise for clearer conversations.
- Everything You Need – This Cobra Handheld Marine Radio comes ready to use with the included drop-in battery charger, AC charger, DC charger, LiON battery pack, antenna, owner’s manual, spring loaded belt clip, and wrist strap.
