
( Brand: West Marine ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: VHF85 ), ( Model: 11954328 ), ( Part Type: Radio )
The West Marine VHF85 Handheld VHF Radio is a reliable and compact communication device designed for mariners and boat enthusiasts. This handheld VHF radio features a durable waterproof construction, with an IPX7 rating, making it ideal for use in various marine environments, including open waters and harsh weather conditions.
The radio boasts a high-performance 6-watt transmitter, ensuring clear and powerful transmissions over long distances. It is equipped with a 1.6-inch monochrome LCD display, making it easy to view and navigate the menu options, channel selection, and other crucial information, such as battery life and signal strength.
The VHF85 features 25 Wide and 76 Narrow marine channels, as well as 10 NOAA weather channels, providing you with essential weather updates and alerts while on the water. The radio also includes DSC (Digital Selective Calling) functionality, allowing you to send and receive distress calls, position requests, and group calls, enhancing your safety and communication capabilities.
This handheld VHF radio is equipped with a built-in GPS and GLONASS receiver, providing you with your location information, allowing for position reporting, and aiding in navigation. It also features a 1,500mAh rechargeable battery, ensuring a long battery life, and a quick-charge USB port for convenient charging on the go.
The West Marine VHF85 Handheld VHF Radio is equipped with multiple accessories, including a belt clip, lanyard, and a drop-in charger, making it easy to carry and use. It is also compatible with multiple headsets, allowing for hands-free operation.
Overall, the West Marine VHF85 Handheld VHF Radio is a versatile and reliable communication device, ideal for mariners who value safety, durability, and clear, powerful transmissions while on the water.
Pros of West Marine VHF85 Handheld VHF Radio:1. Compact and Lightweight: The West Marine VHF85 is a portable handheld radio that is easy to carry around. Its lightweight design makes it suitable for use on small boats, kayaks, and while hiking or camping near water.
2. Dual Watch Function: The dual watch function allows you to monitor two channels simultaneously, ensuring you never miss important communications.
3. Waterproof and Floats: The radio is waterproof and floats, making it ideal for use in wet conditions. It has an IPX7 waterproof rating, which means it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
4. Long Battery Life: The radio has a long battery life, with up to 12 hours of operation on a single charge.
5. NOAA Weather Alerts: The radio includes NOAA weather alerts, allowing you to stay informed of severe weather conditions.
Cons of West Marine VHF85 Handheld VHF Radio:1. Limited Range: As a handheld radio, the West Marine VHF85 has a limited range compared to a fixed-mount VHF radio.
2. Small Display: The radio has a small display that may be difficult to read in bright sunlight.
3. Limited Features: Compared to more expensive VHF radios, the West Marine VHF85 has fewer features, such as GPS and AIS.
4. No Backlight: The radio does not have a backlight, making it difficult to use in low-light conditions.
Conclusion:The West Marine VHF85 Handheld VHF Radio is a great option for boaters who need a portable, waterproof VHF radio for use on small boats or while hiking or camping near water. Its dual watch function, long battery life, and NOAA weather alerts are all useful features. However, its limited range, small display, limited features, and lack of a backlight are drawbacks to consider.
Recommendation:If you need a portable VHF radio for use in wet conditions and want to stay informed of severe weather alerts, the West Marine VHF85 Handheld VHF Radio is a good choice. However, if you need a radio with a longer range or more features, you may want to consider a more expensive fixed-mount VHF radio.
Despite its small size, it transmits with plenty of power 5 watts , so you'll be heard loud and clear when needed. Small, inexpensive and with all the features most boaters will ever want or need. Its back-lit, 7-segment LCD display is easy to read with large, highly legible characters you won't have to squint to see, even in bright sunlight.
Illuminated eight-button control make operation a breeze. The ultra compact radio that's big on features our littlest vhf radio, the VHF85 more than measures up to other offerings. It meets rigid ipx8 submersible standards and is backed by a comprehensive waterproof warranty so, while it doesn't float, it'll more than handle most onboard chores.
This little workhorse also features convenient dual and triple-watch modes, letting you monitor other channels.