Standard Horizon HX891BT Floating Handheld VHF, Black
- Brand:
- Standard Horizon
- Part no:
- HX891BTBK
Image: Wholesale Marine
Where to buy
Specifications
- Mounting
- Handheld
- Transmit power
- 6 W
- Waterproof
- IPX8
- Floats
- Yes
- DSC
- Class H
- Battery life
- 11 h
- Bluetooth
- Yes
- NOAA weather alerts
- Yes
- Battery
- 1800 mAh
The Standard Horizon HX891BT is a handheld VHF with a 6 watt transmitter, selectable down to 2 or 1 watt. It carries Class-H DSC operation and a built-in 66 channel WAAS GPS receiver, and it adds Bluetooth for hands-free use with compatible headsets. The case is rated IPX8 submersible and floats. A water-activated white strobe is built in. Operating time is 11 hours on the 1800mAh Li-ion battery. It also receives NOAA weather channels with alerts and has an FM broadcast receiver.
Our take
The IPX8 rating combined with a case that floats means a handheld knocked over the side of the dinghy stays on the surface, and the water-activated strobe helps you spot it. Eleven hours on the 1800mAh pack covers a long day, but a multi-day trip needs a recharge.
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.