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WEST MARINE
VHF255 Floating Handheld VHF Radio
- Model # 12652699 | Manuf. # VHF255N
- In Stock: Available for immediate shipment.
Hazard Shipping
- Material: Die-cast aluminum chassis
- Controls: Rotary volume/squelch knobs; backlit keys
- Scanning Modes: Memory channel scan
- Weather Alert: Yes
- Antenna: Transmit Power: 5/2.5/1 Watt
- Battery Type: Li-ion
- Battery Life: 9 hours
- Receiver Performance: Sensitivity: 0.20µV; Rejection: 70dB
- Waterproof: Mfr.-rated IPX8 and it floats
- Dimensions: 2 1/2"W x 4 9/16"H x 1 1/2"D
- Display Type: Full dot matrix LCD
- Screen Size: 1 1/2" x 1 3/16"
- Weight: 11.29oz.
- Included Equipment: Charging cradle, alkaline battery tray, belt clip, AC and DC adapter, wrist strap
- FRS/GMRS capabilities
- Localized S.A.M.E. weather alerts and emergency strobe light
- Warranty: Three-year limited waterproof; 49.99 flat rate
Product Specs
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 7 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
50%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (4)
- Clear signal (3)
- Lightweight (3)
- Rugged (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Boating / sailing (6)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (6)
- Primary use:
- Personal (6)
Reviewed by 7 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-7
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Physical Volsquelch Knob
Cons
Best Uses
- Boating
- Families
Comments about VHF255 Floating Handheld VHF Radio:
This is one of very few multiband VHF handhelds that support GMRS/FRS. If you don't need that feature, there is not much point in going with this unit over others.
However, if you _do_ need that feature (as I did), then you'll be very disappointed with the performance... It receives GMRS just great, but when it comes to _transmitting_, it is absymal. The transmit signal comes in very weak on the other units, about 20-30 decibels lower than the GMRS units when transmitting to each other. I tried various GMRS bands, and sub-bands ("interference reduction codes"), always paired the same on all units, and even tried in-store another VHF255. It just plain doesn't work.
This feature would be great for interfacing with family handheld radios on shore, like for the wife (admiral) and kids (mates) ashore shopping whilst the skipper (me) is relaxing with a cold one on that boat, erm, I mean "stuck" on anchor watch... But hey, if they cannot hear you, then at that point it's basically just a GMRS _receiver_, which is not very useful...
There is another manufacturer that carries a similar unit, and I know that one works fine, but WestMarine doesn't carry that brand (whose name is a kind of snake...), and I'm loathe to get that unit, because I've heard it has other, separate reliability issues.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Boating
Comments about VHF255 Floating Handheld VHF Radio:
On line specs page states 12 hr battery life. The side of the box states 9 hr battery life. Which is correct and why the difference. Also, how maany channels can be put into " memory scan ". What is the difference between this radios scam and dual and tri watch on others. What is dual and tri watch.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Clear Signal
- Easy To Use
- Good Audio
- Lightweight
- Rugged
Cons
Best Uses
- Boating
- Emergencies
Comments about VHF255 Floating Handheld VHF Radio:
Didn't want to mount a radio on my 17. This works great on boat or at the house to see what the weather is for the day before going out. Also used it when the storm was coming to stay up on things. Works great for my limited use.........
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Clear Signal
- Easy To Use
- Price
- Rugged
Cons
Best Uses
- Boating
Comments about VHF255 Floating Handheld VHF Radio:
Very nice handheld VHF radio. Carry it everytime we're on the water. Also like that is switches to the weather warning frequencies and to the FRS/GMRS channels.
If you're looking for a reasonably priced unit that offers alot of features for your buck I recommend this radio.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- None
Cons
Best Uses
- Boating
Comments about VHF255 Floating Handheld VHF Radio:
Bought this unit for safety when night fishing alone at Block Island.wHEN YOU NEED IT MOST DON'T EXPECT IT TO PERFORM
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about VHF255 Floating Handheld VHF Radio:
It's about time someone came out with one of these. There have been two other brands that had a combo unit and one of them has already dropped it for some bizzare reason. I'm also SOOO happy to see a lith. battery instead of NiCad or NmHd. Good work WM!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Clear Signal
- Easy To Use
- Good Audio
- Lightweight
- Rugged
Cons
Best Uses
- Boating
- Emergencies
- Families
- Hunting
Comments about VHF255 Floating Handheld VHF Radio:
I will be useing it for hunting ,fishing,and weather conditions.
Displaying reviews 1-7
Merchant response: It sounds like you've been very thorough. If you think we can be of assistance please consider contacting our Technical Support Department at cattech@westmarine. Our number one concern is that you are satisfied with your purchase so, if you care to, also please consider sending the item back to us by contacting our Customer Care Department at 1-800-262-8464. (International customers please email catintl@westmarine.com or call 1-831-761-4800).