How do I choose a handheld VHF radio for boating?

Choose a floating, waterproof marine handheld VHF with 5 to 6W maximum transmit power, clear audio and controls you can operate with wet hands. A straightforward model usually covers tender trips and cockpit calls; for a portable emergency radio, prioritise built-in GPS and DSC distress calling.

Range and intended use

Start with where you will use it. Antenna height limits a handheld more than its features: a radio held low in a tender has a much shorter reach than a yacht's fixed set connected to a masthead aerial.

Expect roughly 3 to 5 nautical miles between handhelds in favourable conditions, with less range close to the water, behind headlands or among harbour buildings. An elevated coast station aerial may receive calls from farther away. There is no guaranteed coverage circle.

A fixed 25W installation with a well-positioned aerial can achieve around 30 nautical miles in suitable conditions. The usual arrangement on a cruising yacht or motorboat is a fixed radio for range and a handheld for the cockpit, tender and emergency bag.

• Tender and harbour use: prioritise flotation, simple controls and a secure attachment.
• Backup aboard a cruising boat: prioritise an independent battery, waterproofing and straightforward charging.
• Emergency use away from the parent boat: consider GPS and DSC, remembering that receivers must still be within radio range.

Waterproofing and handling

Look for an explicit immersion rating. IPX7 generally means temporary immersion at 1 metre for 30 minutes under specified test conditions; manufacturers define their own IPX8 conditions, so check the stated depth and duration. Neither rating gives unlimited protection against salt water, damaged seals or an incorrectly closed charging cover.

Flotation is particularly useful in a tender. Check that the radio floats with its supplied battery and accessories fitted. An alternative battery pack or heavy attachment can change its buoyancy. A flashing water-activated light helps you find it after dark.

Try the push-to-talk button, volume, squelch and Channel 16 shortcut with gloves on. If possible, listen to the speaker somewhere noisy. Loud, intelligible speech matters more than a large colour screen.

Attach the radio securely to your lifejacket or clothing without creating a snagging loop. After salt-water exposure, follow the maker's cleaning instructions and dry the charging contacts before charging.

Battery life and charging

Check how the quoted battery life was measured. Manufacturers commonly use a duty cycle with relatively little transmitting; frequent calls at maximum power shorten endurance considerably. Compare operating hours under the same duty cycle rather than judging by battery capacity in mAh alone.