Customer Reviews

Uniden Atlantis 250BK 16-Channel VHF Waterproof Two-Way Marine Radio

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Got this for my small boat, it was on sale at West Marine and listed as 'waterproof' (who wants a boat radio that's not waterproof?). Takes multiple power sources, does dual watch, weather band, and the price was right.

After it charged up it worked great. We used it several times for coordinating activites without incident.

Until, while helping trailer the boat, my friend slips on some seaweed and this 'waterproof' radio hits the water. It was in MAYBE a foot of water for half a second, but that was enough. The PTT button was stuck on, the button would physically push and release but the circuit stayed active and the radio kept transmitting- salt water had shorted the PTT switch.
Turning the radio off and on was no help- it refused to power up with the PTT switch held down (just made a beeping noise).

Further research reveals that this unit is rated JIS4. According to [...], JIS4 means 'splash resistant'.
Most of the other marine portables are rated JIS7 (same as IPX7)- can be submerged under 1 meter (3 feet) of water for 30 minutes with no ill effects. Some are rated JIS8 (indefinitely submersible up to mfr. specified depth).

Many of the other units also float, and most aren't that much more expensive than this one.

You might check out the Uniden MHS75, which is actually cheaper, smaller, and is JIS8 rated. It also has SAME weather radio alerts, which this doesn't.

I'm giving this 2/5 stars because I think a boating radio, to be used on the water, should be more than just 'splash proof', especially when nearly all the competition is JIS7. And had me and my friends been stuck on the water instead of on the boat launch, the unexpected failure of this unit would have put us in serious trouble.

I use this radio for open water swimming events in salt water as a Pilot in a 15' Zodiac Inflatable or kayaks.

Pro: Good ergonomics, has both 1 and 5 watts, clear communications, rechargeable batter or AA pack.


Con: I was trying to make it through some waves in a kayak and the boat flipped. The radio was attached to the kayak and got wet, not for long and not at all deep. Now the display is fogged up and it doesn't seem to turn on.

The ad says "Water proof", JIS4/CFR46 Waterproof Level. This is actually a level 4, out of 1 to 8, which only rates it for sea spray.

Net: If this WAS water proof, I would recommend it. Since it is only rated for sea spray, I can not recommend this radio for boating. How does this get put in the Marine section I wonder?

Great price on a fantastic product. It has a rechargable battery, and can also run on AA batteries. It is waterproof (essential for boating) and doesn't need a dry sack like other marine radios. It is rugged, comes in well/good reception, comes with mounting fixture and charger, and is of Uniden's usual solid quality.

Well made piece of equipment.Very sturdy feel.Great battery life and sound quality.I am very satisfied with the purchase and would recomend it.

Was working on zodiacs doing an FTX and had some decent sized seas but at no point in our night did I or the radio go in the water. Apparently that was all it took because because now the window is completely fogged up and I have nothing but problems transmitting on it now. I wish companies could be held responsible in some fashion when their marketing for an item is "waterproof" but the radio shouldn't even be anywhere around water.

This is my second hand held vhf radio. My first one IS NOT USER FRIENDLY AT ALL. That is why I researched and found this one. This Uniden is The Most User Friendly Radio I have seen. ALL of its functions are right there on the hand set. No hunting and searching. Just push the button for the function you want to use. Done Deal. I take it out with my friends on the lakes and in Tampa Bay. We have been close to 10 miles apart and talking just fine. I Highly reccommend this radio.

Wanted a hand held VHF for our dinghy and as a backup on our boat, this product fits the bill. Good sound quality, good battery life, have yet to test (and hope I never do) it's water-proof-ness, good price.

Very please with this product. Good price and works great. Battery
stays charged for days. Will order a second one soon.

Parrot Eyes Water Sports, South Padre Island, Texas
956-761-9457

I am happy with this radio. It arrived in a timely manner and has worked just as described. Good to have on the Mississippi!

Great radio. Hard to find because of high rating. Found it on amazon.com at a reasonable price. Very smooth transaction and reliable shipping.