Handheld VHF Radio Advice

[Reddogwood]

Looking for input on a very basic handheld radio. I’d like one for the one to two trips to the gulf we make a year. And considering I’ve got no intention of going more than 10 miles “offshore”.

I “tested” the Cobra MR HH350 FLT. I turned it on at home and couldn’t ever transmit/receive. Never was able to take it in the open water to test. I’m pretty sure I was missing something obvious. I tried it from land in Birmingham and Panama City Beach but no transmission. Never even got the signal bars to come on the screen.

I did pickup the weather station from Birmingham.

So, is this user error and can you help me? Any other experience/opinion on one to get?

Thank you!

[fishinfool]

Most hand held VHF radios only have 5-6 watts of transmitting power. Unfortunately this means you have an unobstructed range of 5-10 miles. Where you can receive Coast Guard or weather transmissions from hundreds of miles away, that does not mean they can hear you. In order to extend your transmitting range you would need to attach to a longer antenna or increase transmission power or both.

[ropeman]

I have an ICOM M25 5 watt handheld and used in the woods for hunting a few years ago. The range in wooded areas is about 1 mile. I have used it on my boat since the the range is about 5 miles between boats. Of course I can hear USCG Mobile AL.

[FanChasn]

Have you considered the satellite communication option...Zoleo, Xspot, Inreach or Garmin. Just to name a few.

[doomtrpr_z71]

You could buy a baofeng and unlock it, there's 8w models of those that you can add Nagoya antennas too to boost the range. But honestly I wouldn't worry about it 10 miles you'll have cell service, my cell service is actually too good to get away from work 20+ miles out and my phone still works

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