50$ VHF Cobra 125 (or something) at Amazon

I'm wondering if anybody see's any problem with one of these budget VHF Marine Radio's.  At 50 bucks even I can afford it.  Would appreciate your feedback.

Do you have the link? Which model is it?  What are the features you get for $50.
I'd check Amazon reviews for feedback on this model.

Look for how "waterproof" it really is.  Most will list the standard they meet in order to make that claim. If they don't it's probably just "splashproof".

Does if float?

Look for how many watts it recieves/transmits.  More is better/safer but will suck down batteries faster.

Look for what kind of battery/batteries it takes.  What is the expected battery life? How do you recharge it?

If all you have is $50 to spend on a VHF, something is better than nothing, but I'm not sure how heavily I'd rely on it.

Do you have the link? Which model is it?  What are the features you get for $50.
I'd check Amazon reviews for feedback on this model.

Look for how "waterproof" it really is.  Most will list the standard they meet in order to make that claim. If they don't it's probably just "splashproof".

JIS-4 -- resistant to splashing water from any direction ("splash resistant")

Read more at Suite101: Submersible VHF Radio: Understanding Waterproof Ratings | Suite101.com http://www.suite101.com/content/submersible-vhf-radio-understanding-waterproof-ratings-a236128#ixzz1OjQcbDij


Does if float?

No.

Look for how many watts it recieves/transmits.  More is better/safer but will suck down batteries faster.

3 Watt, which is the limitation of AA or AAA batteries.

Look for what kind of battery/batteries it takes.  What is the expected battery life? How do you recharge it?

AAA ... either Alkaline of NiMH

I've been working on an article on good ways to compare VHF's.  I wish I had more time to finish it off.

-Alle

I looked at that Cobra radio on Amazon, it said water resistant and it didn't come with much

I just ordered the Midland NTVP1 from Amazon it said water resistant as well, but came with the dry-bag and a headset. It has a rechargeable battery and you can also use regular batteries (carry spares in a ziploc bag). It was only $45.24 and free shipping

http://www.amazon.com/Midland-NTVP1-Nautico-88-Channel-Water-Resistant/dp/B0007TJ9SI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307579096&sr=8-1

Thanks boys, I'll look forward to that article Pole Pole but hope before I spend the money.

I have a Cobra HH300 that I bought a Gander Mountain for less than $50. I use regular Duracell alkaline batteries, and always remove them when not in use. It's always worked fine for me, and I did drop it in shallow water once. It is kinda big and bulky, and I had to tape the squelch button. Also, it's easy to hit the channel button and change channels without knowing it.