Doug Kanter wrote:
Yes, it's a boating question. :-) The rechargable batteries that came with
my Raytheon handheld VHF are total crap. It'll take regular AA batteries,
but I'd also like to keep a set of rechargables handy.

I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who's already been through the
mill, as far as buying (and discarding) lousy batteries & chargers, and
finally reaching nirvana with a particular brand that actually works.

I do know that rechargable batteries have a 'memory'. It's best to
totally discharge them once in awhile, and after you discharge them,
they will last longer. My cell phone shuts itself off when the battery
gets to a certain point. I took it to the store and they have a machine
to completely discharge it, then charge it up, and it made a lot of
difference. Also, my camcorder battery charger has a setting to
"recondition" the battery, and it does the exact same thing, discharges
it completely.