vhf advice

Hi all

I'm looking at VHF radios and would like some advice. So far to me it looks like the Uniden is the best buy for price/quality/features and I'm thinking about either the '350 or the '450.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... R&v=glance
http://www.amazon.com/Uniden-MHS450-Han ... 796&sr=1-1

It looks like the main difference between these two is the battery. Cost is about the same on Amazon at least.

I'm leaning toward the MH450 for the faster recharge time and no memory of the li-ion battery.

I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks
Steve S.

My personal favorite VHF radio are either Icom or Standard Horizon (Yaesu) Both of these have extensive experience with ham and commercial radios. I have both on my larger boats.

For a small boat radio, I like submersiability, and a second power source (Alkaline battery tray). If you get get in trouble, and the primary battery runs out--you need to have a second source. I keep a radio which will run on alkaline which I keep a number of in my emergency bag. (My GPS also runs on AA).

Of the two Uniden the 450 has a lithium ion battery and also is submersiable. The Li ion is a better battery, but the nihydride does not have a memory as a ni cad has.

Two weeks ago, I got a Standard Horizon at West Marine for less than $100, is submersiable and has an alkaline battery tray. For the Icom I like the Icom M34--floats and is submersiable. The alkaline tray is extra (less than $30). You cannot go wrong with any of these three manufactuers.

To consider down the line, is a combination/GPS--with DSC which is available from Standard Horizon: HX 850

_________________
Bob Austin
Pensacola, FL