On Thu, 27 Nov 2003 17:06:59 -0500, Harry Krause
wrote:

A close friend down in Florida is buying a skiff/flats boat for inshore
fishing (Indian River lagoon area) and I can't talk him into installing
a "permanent" VHF radio with antenna. He thinks his cell phone will be
enough. So for XMAS, I plan on buying him a portable VHF as a gift.

But there are so many of them out there. I have a ICOM portable I use
(rarely) as a backup on my boats, but it is a few years old and probably
no longer in production.

Any suggestions? Since it is for a small boat, ruggedized and
water-resistance are important characteristics.

What should I buy for a good-quality VHF portable for a gift?

I agree on the Standard Horizon handheld. Submersible is important I
think. I keep a Standard Horizon HX350S strapped to a life jacket
closeby in the boat at all times in addition to my installed VHF.
I don't know that I want a small handheld. In cold water or with bad
conditions and cold hands I would want a radio that is easy to find
with big buttons.
John C.