Our selection of handhelds falls into three rating classes of water-resistance. The inexpensive Atlantis 250 is rated as splash resistant (JIS-4). Most radios are manufacturer-rated to the JIS-7/IPX-7 standard, meaning they should withstand a 30-minute dunking under one meter of water and still operate. Icom’s new M72 is rated IPX-8, so it should be capable of being submerged for half an hour under 2.6m (8’) of water. This new handheld, with 6W of power and a large 2000mAh battery, is the first handheld built to this more stringent submersibility standard.

While virtually all handheld VHF models that West Marine sells claim to be waterproof or submersible, recent testing and personal experience has proven to us that reality may be a different story. In the fall of 2004, we tested over 200 radios by dunking them in a tank of water to a depth of 1 meter (39.3 inches) for 30 minutes, simulating the JIS-7/IPX-7 standard. If that seems like a peculiar method for testing submersibility, be assured that it’s not arbitrary; it’s the standard that the majority of marine electronics companies use when they claim their electronics are either waterproof or submersible.

The results of the tests were sobering: an unacceptably high number of the brand new radios failed (leaked) after 30 minutes in the tank. There was no correlation between price point and performance, but five models did pass 100% (10 out of 10) on the first test.

When we approached the VHF manufacturers of the radios that failed, they quickly identified the sources of the problems, and responded with improved radios. Of the radios that were resubmitted, the majority passed with a 10 out of 10 rating.

Conclusions:
But here’s the rub: we tested brand new radios with no exposure to life’s realities (being dropped, UV exposure, storage on a damp boat, children chewing on the antenna, other vermin) and we expect that these influences will make marginally waterproof radios fail after a year, or two, or three. We can’t predict when a radio that is waterproof will fail, but we suspect that it becomes more likely with use. Our second concern is that while we have high regard for our vendors, they didn’t have the testing procedures in place to insure 100% waterproof radios.

Therefore, we’re going to re-emphasize the same advice that we’ve been giving for over a decade:

If your life may depend on using a VHF radio to summon help, and there’s a chance of water exposure, buy and use a waterproof VHF bag, and test the bag frequently for damage. It’s cheap insurance.

West Marine will continue to stand behind all of our products, including handheld VHF radios, with our No Hassle Guarantee. If your radio fails to meet your satisfaction, we’ll either repair it, or replace it, or refund your money.

Finally, if you’ve purchased a West Marine brand VHF radio and are concerned about its waterproofness, we’ll send you a waterproof VHF bag ($20 value) for free if you’ll let us know. Please contact us at 1-800-BOATING to arrange for a free bag.

West Marine is dedicated to improving the quality of the product we sell under the West Marine brand, as well as the products sold under other national brands. Please contact us with product performance comments at gearfeedback@westmarine.com.