Cobra Electronics Corporation MRHH125 Handheld Vhf Radio Hh125,Black

I got this for my PWC (jet ski) as I'm on the great lakes and off-shore. For the price I found this radio to be perfect for basic communications with my other boating friends as well as piece of mind for emergency use.Worked well talking with other boats, NOAH weather radio comes in fine, clear sound. I like the fact that you can scan multiple channels. For example channel 16 is the general hail and emergency channel, whereas in my area channel 68 is the general `chat' channel. With a single push of a button I listen to my normal chat channel and also scan the emergency bands.Using the radio it seems to be generally waterproof. Mine did get dunked a bit, and constantly gets splashed. No issues so far (two years of use). Don't put this in the water 3 feet under for 30 min to see if it still works, but with some common sense you should not have any issues. Although it is rated to be underwater like that, I don't suggest doing that. If this is only for emergency use, then keep it and the 12V charger in a plastic zip lock.The batts are standard AAA, the radio comes with a 12V plug you can use to charge the batts, or I sometimes take the batts out and put them in my nomral battery charger.I did a ton of research on the different models and brands - and in the end wanted a best value/point handheld marine radio - mostly for emergency , but also for light use - I did not need high end. I have a 25watt marine radio that cost me a ton for that. This cobra is what I found and after two years of use am happy with it.On the negative side I wish it could transmit at 5 watts, this is 3 watts and that's good for a few miles, but 5 watts would be better. It's now two years later and I don't jet ski anymore, (into just boating) I did just buy the Midland nautica 3 for a gift as it is 5 watts. My cobra still works fine but going with the midland as the 5 watts does matter.

If you are a tugboat captain, this unit is probably not for you. If you are a cheap bastard like me and you want an extra level of safety on your day sailer, than this unit will suit you fine. First of all don't be a moron, this VHF is not waterproof. I doubt it is even splash proof. Salt water destroys everything over time, especially electronics. Buy a water proof case for 15 bucks. If this $48 dollar device is gonna save your life, it better work when you turn it on. The case allows you to operate all the controls and you can receive and transmit just fine. The added bonus is now it floats. Practice using it in the waterproof case. When not in use I keep the VHF in its dry case in a larger jump ship dry bag with my other emergency essentials. This unit is nice and compact. It comes with rechargeable batteries but I like the fact that you can use regular batteries as well. I keep an extra set of batteries in my jump bag. For me, this is an emergency device. I have not had to use it in an emergency, but I test it before every sail and it works every time. I sail to get away from electronics. If you are going to be having long conversations about where the fish are biting, I would spend a little more money. If you are going way off shore, I would buy something with more range. If you need an inexpensive communication device for coastal recreation, this unit will do the job.

I've had this radio for about two years. It typically hangs on the rear stanchion near the tiller of my sailboat, supplementing the 'big' VHF radio in the cabin. I use it when racing or cruising, having something closer than the cabin radio to communicate with the race committee or other vessels -- plus to monitor local shipping traffic channels and channel 16.Pros:* 5 AAA batteries kept the radio always available, with days between battery replacements. I always packed two spare sets of rechargeable AAA and this was more than sufficient for over a month of 3-day-a-week racing events.* Lightweight* Didn't seem to be bothered by rain.Cons:* Speaker not loud enough to hear over strong wind and boat noise on strong-wind days. (On a sailboat under sail, would be worse with a motor)* Failed during a gale (primary reason for the 1-star rating). We got caught out in a gale (solid mid-30s with gusts to 45 knots) crossing from Bellingham, WA to the San Juan Islands. With winds on our beam, the boat was being lashed with a constant stream of saltwater coming over the bow and beam. About halfway throuigh the crossing, I starting hearing a hissing sound and realized it was coming from the radio. I was busy steering, but in a moment of calm waves in the less of a small island identified the noise as coming from the radio. Despite being able to hear heavy radio traffic on 16 from the cabin VHF, the handheld was silent. Worse, when I pressed the transmit button it stuck on transmit. I powered the unit off and back on. The transmit was now off, but no noise. After we got to port, I examined the radio. There was no evidence of water ingress in the battery area, so it was sealed there properly. But the radio was toast. I set it out to dry in the sun for a couple of days, but no change. Further testing with the cabin VHF revealed it barely can receive and is unable to transmit. It was rendered useless by the heavy saltwater spray during the gale. Scary.A radio that dies in its first exposure to truly bad weather is dangerous. I would recommend against trusting this unit, especially if it is the only unit you have aboard your boat.

Value for money handheld VHF. A couple of comments.1. The charging system requires it to be connected to car power socket to recharge the five AAA batteries. Solution is carry spares at all times. I would much preferred a charging cradle that connected to household ac supply.2. Automatic squelch seems to work ok, but I'd have preferred a separate control.However performance is fine for price.

This is only a back up hand held VHF, for emergencies, the lack of waterproofing is a real weakness. The other problem is volume, unless you engine is very well sound proofed, I doubt you will hear it, even on its highest volume, unless it is clipped to your shoulder. That bring said, reception and range are more than adequate for inshore craft.

Great peace of kit. Well worth the money.But if you live in the UK. You must get a radio license form ofcom. Don't worry it's free. Because if you don't your committing a afence and if a emergency happens, the coast guard will think it is a hox

Great product for the boat easy to use and I feel a lot safer out on the water

Delivery was fast and product is great for the price use the radio to listen to port movements near our home in Wales. Scans easily and simple to preset channels. Good quality.