West Marine radio: Good deal/value? VHF 85 for 99.
 

WEST MARINE VHF85 Handheld VHF Radio

This came up in their holiday sale info. Doesn't float, seems to have OK battery life and is a basic radio. Small size may be its biggest plus.


Anyone using one?

But mainly, to get something onboard, is it a good value?

Looking further . . . for another 40 bucks there's one with GPS/DSC that's not on sale, but not much more.

UNIDEN MHS135 VHF/GPS Handheld Combo

another 1 at WM for $99/ Floater
 

Weat Marine and this one floats, $99:D

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...0#.UwEZHCihURw

I use the Standard Horizon HX300. It floats, has blinking lights that go on when it hits the water to help you find it, it's very easy to use, and it's compact. West Marine is selling it for $129. I bought mine for $149 after research. I haven't used any other ones but highly recommend this radio. Not sure if the one your looking at is compact or not but a small radio is the way to go especially if your going to wear it. You can see that I'm wearing mine on my PFD in my avatar photo. ALSO.... West Marine offers an awesome 3 year warranty on electronics that I highly recommend.

Current West Marine coupon code for $15 purchase of $100 or more (many exclusions apply, including can't be combined with other offers or sale items).

code: MK40006

more details: http://www.retailmenot.ca/coupons/westmarine.com

As for the radio, I don't have any experience with them, but I've been looking at the Uniden MHS135.