Sale of Handheld radios
On this page, you'll find a catalog of handheld radios designed for use on boats and yachts. We offer only high-quality products from trusted manufacturers. Fast delivery and warranty on all items are included.
Our staff is ready to consult you before making a purchase to help you choose the handheld radio that suits your needs. Feel free to call or send a message.
What is Marine Handheld Radio and How It Is Used on a Yacht
One of the most important pieces of safety equipment on board your ship is a two-way radio. Marine VHF radios use the radio frequency range from 156.0 to 162.025 MHz, inclusive. Marine radios have a specific set of frequencies assigned to predefined channels within the radio, and each channel is dedicated to a specific type of communication. For example, channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is the international calling and distress channel on all maritime radio stations.
Fixed marine radios on ships must also have “digital selective calling” (DSC) capability, allowing a distress call to be sent at the touch of a button. If you plan to travel more than a few miles offshore, it is also recommended to have a second radio, preferably one fixed and one or more portable ones.
A marine VHF radio is a combination transmitter and receiver. Marine VHF radios primarily use "simplex" transmission, meaning that communication occurs in one direction at a time. The transmit button on the device or microphone determines whether it is transmitting or receiving. Some channels are set to "half-duplex" transmission, allowing simultaneous communication in both directions. Each half-duplex channel has two frequency assignments.
There are two types of marine radios: portable and fixed. Marine handheld radios are more limited in power and therefore have a shorter range, but they can be moved from one boat to another and taken to the dock.
Fixed mount marine radios, as the name suggests, are permanently installed. They provide more power and have a longer range because they operate from the electrical connections on your boat. Maximum transmit power for marine VHF radios ranges from 25 W for fixed units to 5 W for portable units.
Portable marine radios are intended for crew members and serve as a reliable communication tool for coordinating certain actions, for example, in the process of carrying out any ship work: such means of communication are used by port services during loading and unloading operations, mooring and coordinating the actions of the crew with the coastal service.
Portable radios for marine use have a high degree of protection from moisture and dust, as a rule, allow immersion in water to a limited depth and duration, some of them have positive buoyancy and a means of rapid detection in the event of a fall overboard.
In this section of the topRik marketplace you have access to marine handheld radios from leading manufacturers of similar marine equipment, including Icom, Cobra, Himunication, Polmar, etc.
Here are marine handheld radios with different characteristics, which gives you the opportunity to choose a model that will exactly meet your requirements, which may include the following:
- TAG function for favorite channel identification and shortcut;
- direct access to channel 16, Dual-Tri Watch and battery status indicator;
- Dual and Triple View functions for monitoring multiple channels;
- ATIS mode, specially designed for inland waters and complying with the necessary regulations;
- USB charging and compatibility with universal power supplies;
- programmable private channels to improve communication security;
- Long battery life and a comprehensive package for convenience and reliability;
- energy saving function to extend battery life;
- Low battery warning and AquaQuake™ feature for clear audio output;
- Backlit LCD display with vibrant colors and NCR noise reduction function;
- shockproof housing;
- ergonomic design;
- floating design with alarm and LED for easy removal;
- water and dust protection from IP57, etc.
Almost everything presented in the marine marketplace handheld radios comply with European MED standards and GMDSS regulations, operate on all internationally authorized channels, and are compatible with both European and US and Canadian regions, providing flexibility for boaters in different regions.
ATTENTION! All vessels regulated by GMDSS must have, in addition to other communications and messaging equipment, two or more portable VHF devices, i.e. marine handheld radios. In addition, all such equipment must be registered with the appropriate service of the country where the ship is registered.
And do not forget that if the country of registration of your vessel is not the USA, then any other “accessory” of your yacht requires mandatory licensing of at least one radio operator.
For example, in Yacht Training Course "International Bareboat Skipper" by SimpleSail there is separate VHF Marine Communication Master SRC course.
Is It Possible to Use Marine Handheld Radio Instead of Landline
Due to the large number of well-thought-out functions, you may think that a portable walkie-talkie can be a full-fledged replacement for a stationary one. Unfortunately, this is not entirely true. The main problem with such walkie-talkies is the range. The short antenna mounted on these devices is actually too small to receive VHF frequencies reliably. Thanks to simple tricks, all manufacturers have actually been able to ensure that short antennas behave electrically in the same way as full-length VHF antennas of normal length. However, due to obvious physical reasons, the efficiency of such antennas is still very poor. Compared to stationary antennas about one meter long, the effective power of portable ones is no more than ten percent.
What does this mean in practice? When communicating using walkie-talkies, efficiency is lost on both sides - both on the part of the sender and the receiver of the signal. Compared to the communication between two stationary VHF stations, the results look deplorable. The fact that the power of portable radio transmitters themselves reaches a quarter of the power of stationary ones no longer plays almost any role.
After conducting the test, we were able to determine that only under the most favorable circumstances is communication possible between two walkie-talkie radios over a distance of more than one mile. This clearly shows that a portable radio without additional devices cannot be a replacement for a stationary one.
The situation changes if portable radios communicate using external antennas mounted on a mast.
After all, besides, seven out of ten radios without DSC and all DSC devices allow this possibility. In this case, the difference between portable and stationary devices is noticeable only in certain transmission modes, while the reception of both types does not differ at all.
If you have an ordinary yacht VHF antenna, working cables and plugs, the five-watt transmitter power of the portable station is enough for communication within the horizon visibility. In any case, it won’t work further, since VHF waves cannot bend around the earth’s surface. But note: firstly, portable walkie-talkies with additional wires from the antenna and charging are no longer as portable as we would like, and, secondly, their use in this case without an external microphone is not so practical.
But there are a large number of situations when the short communication range of a radio station not only does not interfere, but is even welcome. In situations involving pilotage and navigation in narrow areas, radio conversations take place over short distances. Before locks or bridges, it is advisable to give a short message via VHF. Where there are many such structures, there is no point in contacting the lock keeper twenty miles away in advance. And when communicating between a yacht and its own vessel, which are usually in close proximity, a long range is not needed.
Main Characteristics
Handheld radios are an integral tool for yachtsmen and sailors. They provide reliable communication in emergency situations and can be useful over short distances. Before purchasing, several key characteristics should be considered.
Frequency Range
VHF (Very High Frequency): Ideal for short to medium distances.
UHF (Ultra High Frequency): Less commonly used in marine navigation but can be useful in specific conditions.
Power
5–6 Watts: Generally sufficient for most short-distance needs.
Waterproofing and Durability
IPX7 and above: Ensures reliable operation even when submerged in water.
Functional Features
Digital selective calling (DSC): Allows for automatic sending and receiving of emergency signals.
GPS: Very useful for determining location.
Additional Aspects
Manufacturer: Well-known brands usually offer quality and reliable models.
Battery and operating time: Choose models with a long battery life and quick charging capabilities.
Ergonomics: The radio should be easy to use, with conveniently placed buttons and a clear display.
Recommendations for Selection
Determine the required frequency range: VHF usually suffices for most maritime situations.
Consider storage location: The handheld radio should be easily accessible and conveniently stored on board.
Check waterproofing standards: Compliance with IPX7 or higher ensures that the radio can withstand being submerged in water.
Budget: Don't skimp on safety, but also don't overspend. Study various models and choose the optimal one.