[dgax65]

I know that they are expensive, but the Standard Horizon radios are very reliable. I have an Hx471 and the earlier, single band version of that model. The old one has survived 4 years of paddling and has been completely immersed too many times to remember. I always keep it in the pocket of my PFD and it is constantly subjected to salt water. The only problem that I have is a small amount of rust on the speaker grill and some pitting on th external charging terminals. Now I occasionally spray all exposed metal with Boeshield T9 and I've not had any further corrosion. Both radios have been dropped a time or two, but still work fine. Standard Horizon radios are well engineered and with proper care will last a long time. I always keep mine attached to my PFD with a leash; as I would hate to drop a $300 radio in the drink.