Icom IC-M73 61 Handheld VHF Radio, 6W Submersible
- Brand:
- Icom
- Part no:
- M73 61
Image: freeportmarine.com
Where to buy
Specifications
- Mounting
- Handheld
- Transmit power
- 6 W
- Waterproof
- IPX8
- Battery life
- 18 h
Manuals
- Manual (PDF)images.boatid.com
The Icom IC-M73 is a handheld VHF marine radio with 6 W of transmit power in an IPX8 submersible body, rated for 30 minutes of submersion in 1.5 meters of water. It has a 700mW audio output and about 18 hours of operating time. It also has the AquaQuake water draining function, dual and tri-watch for Channel 16 and the call channel, and a build that meets MIL-STD 810.
Our take
The IPX8 rating, 30 minutes at 1.5 meters, plus AquaQuake water draining, makes this handheld one built to get wet. The 6 W output and about 18 hours of operating time cover the radio side of a long day afloat.
From our buying guide
Standard Horizon says range depends far more on the antenna than on transmit power, and that a handheld on its stock antenna at sea level may only reach a mile or two. It has its own battery and antenna, so it keeps working if the boat's power fails.
Check before you buy:
- It has DSC and GPS if you want a distress button that sends your position, since handhelds are not required to have DSC.
- The waterproof rating comes with the maker's depth and time, since IPX8 has no fixed depth or time.
- The maker says it floats on its own, since some float only in an optional case.