"Capt. Rob" wrote in message
oups.com...
I have a thing against Icoms. I can't exactly put my finger on it
(actually
I can, it's their "feel") but they seem cheap and don't operate as well
as
other radios. If it's my money, Icom, in general, would not be a first
choice. Motorola makes a good commercial radio.


For marine VHF on recreation vessels, Icom and Standard Horizon are
among the better models around. Uniden is hot on their tail and has
some interesting stuff, but older models were cheap and it's hard to
shake the stigma. For professional use on local fishing boats, tugs or
whatever you're likely to see the same radios found on my boat. I do
see a lot of Ray Jeffs on ski boats, walk-around fishing boats and
launches. I had a Ray Jeff that crapped out fast, probably just bad
luck.
They're essentially all spec'd out very close and built pretty well.
It's hard to go wrong, though spending a bit more on a better handheld
is probably a good idea. BTW, quite a few submersible radios may
survive a dunking but won't work right after because the power
connectors at the back are not sealed properly. Same with many
handhelds...the radio is sealed, but not the battery-to-unit
connection. My Icom MV-1 worked after sitting in water, but I have
doubts about the tiny Uniden voyager I use now.

Some of those neoprene or plastic radio condoms may help a radio survive.
Also you could pack the connectors/interfaces with dielectric grease to keep
water out.