Cobra Handheld VHF

[CheapboatKev]

I just ordered a Cobra MRHH 100VP handheld VHF..

The reviews were pretty good on the website..but am now thinking I may have gone too cheap on such an important item...
It has a max of 2 watts....Enough for very near inshore??

Anybody have any experience with this model?

Thanks as always...

 

[Splat]

Re: Cobra Handheld VHF

I don't know anything about that particular radio, however 2watts isn't very much power. I believe 6 watts is the fcc limit on a handheld radio because of the radiation issue and your head.

I know they are pricey, but you really can't go wrong with the Icom radios. They feel good in your hand, and perform flawlessly.

Uniden I've heard also make descent radios.

How far off shore do you normally boat? 2 watts may do it if you stay within a mile or two of shore(just guessing here, there's a formula to determine how far it will reach but I can access it right now)

Bill

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Cobra Handheld VHF

Thanks...

Well..Since I haven't splashed her yet...I go 0 miles..

But do intend to do a mix of inner gulf and lakes nearby..

I think it's 1 watt per mile...but there I go thinking again

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Cobra Handheld VHF

I think the formula you are looking for is something like the square root of the height of the antenna in feet multiplied by 1.42, but that may be for fixed mount antennas. I don't know how watts impacts the formula.

I have that exact handheld to go along with my fixed mount VHF. I like it because it is cheap. Performance is actually not too bad, but if you are going offshore you will want a fixed mount radio with a quality antenna. I say keep the handheld, but you should also consider a fixed mount VHF.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Cobra Handheld VHF

Thanks for that...

I do plan on a fixed mount with the biggest antenna I can get in the future...
I got this for under 40 bucks and thought it's good enough to have for a few shake out runs on the water for now I thought it would be better than nothing...