Uniden Atlantis 250BK 16-Channel VHF Waterproof Two-Way Marine Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Got this for my small boat, it was on sale at West Marine and listed as 'waterproof' (who wants a boat radio that's not waterproof?). Takes multiple power sources, does dual watch, weather band, and the price was right.
After it charged up it worked great. We used it several times for coordinating activites without incident.
Until, while helping trailer the boat, my friend slips on some seaweed and this 'waterproof' radio hits the water. It was in MAYBE a foot of water for half a second, but that was enough. The PTT button was stuck on, the button would physically push and release but the circuit stayed active and the radio kept transmitting- salt water had shorted the PTT switch.
Turning the radio off and on was no help- it refused to power up with the PTT switch held down (just made a beeping noise).
Further research reveals that this unit is rated JIS4. According to [...], JIS4 means 'splash resistant'.
Most of the other marine portables are rated JIS7 (same as IPX7)- can be submerged under 1 meter (3 feet) of water for 30 minutes with no ill effects. Some are rated JIS8 (indefinitely submersible up to mfr. specified depth).
Many of the other units also float, and most aren't that much more expensive than this one.
You might check out the Uniden MHS75, which is actually cheaper, smaller, and is JIS8 rated. It also has SAME weather radio alerts, which this doesn't.
I'm giving this 2/5 stars because I think a boating radio, to be used on the water, should be more than just 'splash proof', especially when nearly all the competition is JIS7. And had me and my friends been stuck on the water instead of on the boat launch, the unexpected failure of this unit would have put us in serious trouble.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Uniden Atlantis 250BK 16-Channel VHF Waterproof Two-Way Marine Radio


The Uniden Atlantis 250 features all NOAA emergency weather channels, as well as all USA, International and Canadian marine channels. It also comes ready for an optional speaker microphone and meets JIS4 waterproof standards. Uniden Atlantis 250 gives you the power to go anywhere.
Uniden Atlantis 250 gives you the power to go anywhere.

Get 53% OFF

Click here for more information about Uniden Atlantis 250BK 16-Channel VHF Waterproof Two-Way Marine Radio

Read More...

Cobra MR F55B Dual-Power VHF Marine Dual-Watch Tranceiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Our VHF radio on our down helm quit and this is the replacement. We are very happy with it. It lets us monitor 16 and another channel choice. It is very clear and easy to use.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cobra MR F55B Dual-Power VHF Marine Dual-Watch Tranceiver

Stay safe while navigating the coastal waters with the Cobra MR F55 dual-power marine VHF transceiver. The radio, which boasts a selectable output power of either 1 or 25 watts (for short or long communication), lets you talk with other radios within at least a five-mile radius, and sometimes as far away as 25 miles, depending on conditions. It's an essential tool for communicating with marinas, the Coast Guard, other boaters, and commercial towing companies, all of whom can offer life-saving assistance during a crisis. And because VHF radios work on a party line, any boat that's within range can listen in and provide help, or they can relay the signal to a professional that's outside your range.
The MR F55 operates on any of the three channel maps established in U.S., Canadian, and international waters, while also picking up 10 weather channels from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association (NOAA). The latter feature ensures instant access to national All Hazards and weather warnings 24 hours a day, so you'll always know when a storm is approaching. And because it's nearly impossible to monitor the NOAA channels at all times, Cobra integrated an audible weather alert tone and visual alarm into the radio. Other safety-enhancing features include instant access to emergency channels 16 and 9 and a function known as Digital Selective Calling (DSC), which allows you to send a distress signal at the touch of a button or exchange position information with other boats or stations.
Furthering the MR F55's safety reputation is its GPS compatibility. When connected to a Cobra or most other GPS receivers, the MR F55 can send your GPS position to other boats in an emergency, or it can exchange position information with other boats or stations. This life-saving feature saves a ton of time in a crisis, as it helps rescuers locate your craft quickly and efficiently.
The device is a breeze to use, with a large, illuminated LCD display, backlit function keys, and a noise-canceling microphone with its own control buttons for crisp, concise communication. Boaters can also connect an outside speaker to the unit thanks to the external speaker jack. All this in a sleek, black, water-resistant chassis (it's submersible in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes). In addition, the MR F55 comes with both flush mount and surface mount kits, so you can install the radio in or on almost any flat surface using the supplied hardware.
The transceiver measures 6.25 by 2.25 by 7.125 inches (W x H x D) and carries a three-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box MR F55 transceiver with microphone, flush mount kit, surface mount kit, GPS interface cable, user's manual.

Click here for more information about Cobra MR F55B Dual-Power VHF Marine Dual-Watch Tranceiver

Read More...