I'm going to officially pass as I was in West Marine this weekend and they were running a sale on their handhelds. For those interested, the West Marine VHF75 is $89.99 until March 25th. I purchased the VHF160 for $129.99 because it adds a strobe when it hits water and a second battery tray that will take AA batteries. I figure that alone saves me replacing the battery in a few years.
They were swooped up a few minutes after the post...
iComm makes good stuff... I have an aviation handheld that has been abused and is still working like the day I got it... But I think it is Yaesu that is making them for West Marine.. could be wrong. Yeasu makes some prettey darn good stuff.
You really shouldn't have to replace the battery every few years if you take care of them.... the ones that I just gave away lasted me a good 15 years. I would drain the battery once a month by leaving the radio on overnight, and then fully recharge it... Even have this on my MS Outlook calendar as a reminder..
West Marine sale... yes, they have some deals going right now, that is why I upgraded to the newer Standard Horizon... The one I have now has a duel transmit option... I can broadcast with 1 watt or 5 watts... Once you start transmitting you battery can go quick... I like having the lower power option for checking it with the committee boat etc... and the extra boost should I need to call in a dust off..