RE: [Paddlewise] VHF Radio

Shawn W. Baker wrote:

Any suggestions for less expensive VHF's?  I have a hard time justifying
(to myself and my better half) a $200 VHF with all the bells and
whistles.

Shawn,

Last year I bought a Uniden HH955 for about $100. This unit is NOT
waterproof so I carry it in a drybag specifically for VHF radios. The radio
functions perfectly through the bag. I check the bag before and after each
use. The radio has gone swimming several times in rough surf that has dumped
me with out getting a drop of water inside the bag.

Radio checks with a local yacht club that offers them have impressed me, my
traveling companions, and the yacht club giving the check. From a distance
of 2 to 3 miles and using the 1 watt setting, I have consistently put out a
stronger and clearer signal than many large power boats. I have never had to
switch to 5 watts to make contact with anyone. I have had many questions
concerning the height of my antenna. Most people are very surprised to hear
that I am using the standard rubber duck that came with the radio with a
height of about 2 feet above the water.

Steve

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