Gear: Floating Handheld with VHF/DSC

Standard Horizon’s HX890 handheld packs a lot of technology into a small package, including DSC and 66-channel WAAS GPS. It’s available in black or Navy Blue and not only floats but is equipped with a water-activated strobe, providing an extra measure of safety, especially when, say, out in a RIB after dark. Other features include a pair of built-in scrambler systems for secure communications; a built-in FM receiver for listening to music or catching a game while relaxing on the hook; daytime or lighted nighttime modes; waypoint and route navigation; and a group monitor function utilizing the system’s DSC Group position call. The system’s dot-matrix display measures 1.7in-by-1.7in making it easy to work with. A 1,800mAh Li-ion battery provides up to 11 hours of operation. 

$199. Standard Horizon, standardhorizon.com