VHFs

[Ped]

I was going to get the Icom IC-M1EuroV handheld VHF but it appears to be discontinued, and those places that still have stock are charging just as much for it as the replacement Icom M71 Handheld VHF (that's if you do a bit of shopping around).

My question is, has anyone got/tried the Icom M71 yet and does it compare favourably with the M1EuroV ?. I read on another forum that someone who had one of the M1Eurov's wasn't very happy with the waterproofness of the battery compartment, but someone else pointed out that this particular unit may have been an older model of this version, has anyone else had this problem?

I know about the added benefit of putting them in a watertight Aquapac or whatever but assuming it will be exposed to seawater what have other peoples experiences been ?

 

On the same subject (VHF's) but on another tack, the issue of whether it is really neccessary to have one when you already have a mobile really hit home a couple of weeks ago when I stupidly anchored in too strong a tide and before I could get the anchor up, (it had set fast between rocks), I was tipping into the sea, knife in hand, cutting thru the anchor rope. Not a pleasant experience I can tell you but the re-entry practice that I have done plus a LITTLE drop of adrenilin !! had me back onboard in seconds. Reflecting after, on the things I had done wrong, and thanking my lucky stars for having all the safety equipement (except the VHF !) I thought " now what would have happened if I had been separated from my Yak by the speed of current ?" I can just see myself leisurely laying on my back drifting away pulling out the aquapac with my mobile in it and calmly calling the coastguard whilst bobbing about in the waves dissapearing towards my potential demise, that's assuming that I have input the local coastguard number, and it's easy to find, that's assuming that another idiot like me isn't on the phone blocking the line, that's assuming that I can get a phone signal 18 inches out of the water, that's assuming I don't need glasses to perform all these functions with my phone, and so and so and so on....

NO, VHF is the answer, you have immediate contact with the coastguard, plus any boats in your area will be able to respond to your Mayday as well.

I always intended to get the VHF but this experience has just brought forward when I get it. Even though I can't afford it at the moment I can't afford to die either!!. Just think, all that investment in the Kayak along with all the equipement I've bought for it and some other bugger gets the benefit !!!...NO CHANCE

 

I primarily would like your views on the VHF's I'm looking to buy. My recent experience should perhaps be on another thread but I felt it important to qualify why I feel VHFs are a CRITICAL part of a Yakkers safety equipement.

 

Ped

[SpeciMan]

Hi Ped

 

I agree with your thoughts on VHF and like you feel it is an important piece of safety equipment. I wouldn't paddle on the sea without one. Can't comment on the models you have mentioned. I have an Icom M87 - don't know if it still holds but it used to be Icoms top of line handheld (managed to get a good deal on one for the price of a Euro1MV).

 

Seems the retail price of them has fallen (used to be about £350ish) and have seen it here for about £200 - very compact unit, battery lasts for ages no problems with it so far.

 

(also found it for £189 here)

[lazy hooker]

talking about vhf radios i was on e bay today and bearing in mind i have absolutley no idea what to look for in a vhf......i saw this and thought thats too cheap

 

e bay advert

 

any thoughts?

 

john

[niko]

hi there ive just bought an icom m71 ,i cant tell you about waterproofing(havent got my yak yet)but if you look at the thread i started i miss spelt it so its called vhs info!!. you will see my veiw on it to sum it up the quaility seems outstanding(with 6watt power and ipx8 rating its also higher speck than the euro)hope this helps

[YakDiver]

I can't really see the point in having a VHF that is only waterproof to 39 inches or in the case of the ipx8 rating 59 inches unless you drop in water on launching or landing, on the other hand an aquapac waterproof pouch is 10m/30feet for as long as you like, or am I missing something

[SpeciMan]

If the VHF is leashed to your buoyancy aid (which in my opinion it should be ) there should be no need for the VHF drop to any great depth if you fall in.

[luffers]

If you shout on a mobile only one person hears ! if you shout on the vhf everbody hears !

Also my mobile usally has a good signal BUT if i am out in the solent i get NO signal !!

It has to be a vhf !

[Ped]

Decision made, Icom M71 winging its way as we speak.

 

Thanks for the feedback

 

Ped

[YakDiver]

I was not comparing mobile phone to VHF, I was on about waterproofing it seems that your going to relay on 39-59 inches of water being the maxium depth for a item that is going to save your life !!

[Captain Fishy Finger]

I have a waterproof V.H.F. and i keep it in a waterproof pouch not just to protect the radio it also makes it float. The whole thing is strung to my PFD so, therefore when i'm floating my radio bobs along next to me.