Humminbird VHF 55s Marine Radio

[yakman]

I just picked one up last week at Kayak Fishing Stuff, because the old one, a non submersible one finally died

I wasn't to sure about the unit at first because it was heavy and it took 9 aa's

It wasn't long once I was out on the water that I releazed this is a serious radio with most of the features a kayak fisherman needs

I liked the fact that I could lock the channel so when the unit was in my vest it didn't change

the unit is around $100

while I was out on the water I did a few radio checks

a radio check is when you ask someone else that can hear your broadcast where they are located and how your signal is

I was amazed that the radio got a extended range of 6-8 miles, my old one was in the range or 3 or 4 miles, most of the time less

I was talking with boaters that were 8-10 miles offshore, from where I was in the kayak

This is a high power VHF radio that is priced right

Some of the cons are it is heavy and for me it takes 9 aa's. On any of my extended trips it just means I have to take extra battery's. It is a toss up, do want the unit to take batteries or do you want to be required to find electric to re-charge the unit?