Waterproof Hand Held VHF Radios?

Completely Waterproof Radio - I Doubt it!

I just read a comparative test results on the top 7 hand held vhf radios and are they completely waterproof, delivering full power and usability after long term submersions? Well the fact of the matter is that all but one had marked "problems" during and after the testing began. Before moving forward, we must address the question - What is the definition of "waterproof"? There are many standards, developed both in the United States and Europe. The U.S. standard, defines a "waterproof machine" as one that can withstand a stream of water from a 1 inch nozzle at a rate of 65 gallons per minute for 5 minutes duration, from all directions without leaking. The standard doesn't cover immersion.

The test panel did however. Before you head into the "wild blue" armed with your all weather VHF hand-held radio, you might want to look into the inexpensive yet 100% effective waterproof VHF radio cases made by ewa-marine. At a mere 5% hearing loss, you can bank on your VHF radio working flawlessly regardless of the weather. If you drop it in the water, there's a good chance you'll fish it out if you can get close enough to grab it! It can be used again regardless of it's temporarily abandoning ship! Check them out!

When considering this test, it was determined that the only requirements that should be addressed are those usually faced by boaters. One is rain or spray that might damage a radio if you accidentally left it outside in the cockpit or when being used in the open. The other main concern was immersion, which isn't as likely, but could/does occur if the radio is dropped and fully immersed. Several top hand-helds were tested for both simulated rain and immersion.

Out of seven VHF radios tested, only two held up very well and lived up to their ratings. The best of the waterproof vhf radios was the Standard HX350S at a mere $280 and followed by the Uniden HH940P at a frugal $170. Two of the least expensive of the lineup, I might add. The Standard came with a DC charger included but an "option" with the others. I'd call it an essential piece of the ensemble not an option, but they have to make a buck, so it usually comes via "accessories" right?

The radios were tested at the 1' range for a 5 minute period. The survivors were then inspected and put back into the shower for another 5 minutes at 1 foot from the water stream. The remaining radios were then preset to the same channel and submerged in a bucket of water for 30 minutes and then bench tested and the survivors were submersed again for another 30 minutes.

Some After Testing Advice

The Standard HX350S is an excellent VHF radio, it's fully submersible, even when operated with its AA battery pack. This model, your top choice for both performance and value.

The Uniden HH940P is an excellent radio. We recommend it highly for PWC users or when a more powerful radio is not needed. But we would like to see an AA battery holder and a larger 600 mAh battery pack.

The Raytheon 102 and Raytheon 106 are excellent radios but not our top choice. The 102 seems to be a better value. The more expensive 106 with its larger battery is recommended only if extended operation is required.

Failing the submersion test - the Garmin VHF 720 cannot be recommended as a submersible handheld VHF radio.

Well, the Icom M15 is well-built and performed well. However, this model is outdated and needs upgrading in the opinion of the testing panel. The Icom M1+ (previously the top choice) among waterproof handheld VHF radios, but not anymore after its failure during immersion testing.

If your hand held VHF radio failed the test above - no worries - just head over to an Ewa-Marine waterproof accessories section, featuring waterproof cases for VHF radios and pick up some real insurance!