SEO Link List

automotive & industrial

Brake Tools

Bumper Stickers, Decals & Magnets

Bumpers & Bumper Accessories

Cleaning & Maintenance

Diagnostic, Test & Measurement Tools

Engine Tools

Exterior

Exterior Care

Finishing

Gaskets

Glass Care

Window & Door Seal Lubricants

Hood Scoops & Vents

Horns & Accessories

Ignition & Electrical

Interior

Interior Care

Jump Starters, Battery Chargers & Portable Power

Lighting & Electrical

Mirrors & Parts

Plumbing

Pullers

Puller Sets

Running Boards & Steps

Safety

Shocks, Struts & Suspension

Snow & Ice

Ice Scrapers & Snow Brushes

Steering & Suspension Tools

Thread Repair Kits

Spark Plug Thread Repair Kits

Tires

Tools & Equipment

Detailing Tools

Towing Products & Winches

Trailer Accessories

Stabilizer Jacks

Truck Bed & Tailgate Accessories

baby products

Activity & Entertainment

Apparel & Accessories

Baby & Toddler Toys

Baby Care

Car Seats & Accessories

Diapering

Feeding

Gifts

Nursery

Potty Training

Safety

Strollers & Accessories

Travel Gear

beauty & personal care

Foot, Hand & Nail Care

Hair Care

Makeup

Personal Care

electronics

Camera & Photo

Car & Vehicle Electronics

Cell Phones & Accessories

Computers & Accessories

Home Audio

Household Batteries, Chargers & Accessories

Television & Video

Video Game Consoles & Accessories

Headsets

Wearable Technology

health & household

Baby & Child Care

Health Care

House Supplies

Oral Care

Personal Care

Sexual Wellness

Sports Nutrition

Testosterone Boosters

Wellness & Relaxation

home & kitchen

Bath

Bedding

Heating, Cooling & Air Quality

Kitchen & Dining

Lighting & Ceiling Fans

Seasonal Decor

Outdoor Nativity Scenes

Storage & Organization

Vacuums & Floor Care

office products

Educational Supplies

Angled Paintbrushes

Office & School Supplies

patio, lawn & garden

Gardening & Lawn Care

Outdoor Decor

Outdoor Heating & Cooling

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor Power Tools

Patio Furniture & Accessories

Decorative Pillows

Pest Control

Foggers

pet supplies

Birds

Cats

Dogs

Fish & Aquatic Pets

Horses

Reptiles & Amphibians

toys & games

Arts & Crafts

Collectible Toys

Dolls & Accessories

Strollers

Dress Up & Pretend Play

Games & Accessories

Kids' Electronics

Puppets & Puppet Theaters

Hand Puppets

Puzzles

Remote & App Controlled Vehicles & Parts

Cars

Sports & Outdoor Play

Stuffed Animals & Plush Toys

Tricycles, Scooters & Wagons

Vehicles

Uniden UM385BK 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine VHF Radio

Curated from 58 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: August 3, 2024

Uniden UM385BK 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine VHF Radio

Brand: Uniden

Price: $104

Snoop Score:

7.4

Sentiment

10.0

Popularity

10.0

Technical

5.0

Buy on Amazon for $104 See All Marine Two Way Radios Reviews

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

The Uniden UM385BK is a 25 Watt fixed mount marine VHF radio engineered to keep boaters connected and informed under any weather conditions. It integrates NOAA weather alerts, comprehensive international channel coverage, and advanced DSC features into a robust, waterproof package. User discussions are lively, with one poster exclaiming, "just saw it has an emergency strobe light and that's amazing." The chatter highlights its powerful transmission and emergency preparedness while critiquing the lack of a floating design. Overall, the sentiment is that its feature set makes it a standout in emergency situations and regular marine communications. In conclusion, for those prioritizing dependable safety and advanced communication on the water, the UM385BK earns a strong recommendation. Its blend of rugged durability, intuitive controls, and comprehensive channel support makes it a solid choice for both recreational and commercial marine operations.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Marine Two Way Radios

just saw it has an emergency strobe light and that's amazing.
Positive Feedback

this is a pretty key feature that is easily worth the $50 price difference between brands.
Insightful Chatter

7.4

Uniden UM385BK 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine VHF Radio

Buy on Amazon for $104

Emergency Communication

7 / 10

Navigation Safety

8 / 10

Recreational Boating

4 / 10

Commercial Marine Operations

10 / 10

See how this compares to all Marine Two Way Radios

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

High power capabilities for extended communication

“just saw it has an emergency strobe light and that's amazing.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
Uniden Atlantis 275 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio	$106	8.7	Details	Buy
Standard Motor Products Standard Horizon HX210	$118	7.5	Details	Buy
Uniden UM385BK 25 Watt Fixed Mount Marine VHF Radio	$104	7.4	Details	Buy
STANDARD HORIZON HX890BK VHF-HH, 6 Watt, w/GPS&FM Rcvr	$197	7.3	Details	Buy
STANDARD HORIZON HX890 Black Handheld VHF	$199	7.0	Details	Buy
Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio	$75	6.0	Details	Buy
Standard Horizon Two Way Radios, Marine Application	$114	5.1	Details	Buy
Uniden MHS75 Waterproof Handheld Marine Radio	$90	3.9	Details	Buy
Retevis RM01 Handheld Marine Radio	$59	3.8	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Waterproof features and durability

“This thing is waterproof, has a MOB button that'll alert any boat that has DSC in the vicinity.”➕

“Someone dropped theirs in salt water in a high traffic area, and we found it 90 minutes later, perfectly fine.”➕

Proper antenna selection and wiring is crucial for marine VHF radios

“Higher quality radios have protection mechanisms built in.”➕

“Some electronics will not survive having the positive connected to negative and negative to positive.”➕

“Is that the right kind of antenna for that radio?”➕

Importance of robust waterproofing and DSC functionality

“Get something waterproofed to IPX8 and is designed to float (there are a lot of dead radios at the bottom of the ocean).”➕

Diverse user experiences with handheld marine VHF radios from various brands

“just about bullet proof.”➕

“Icom, then Uniden.”➕

“it's been pretty good!”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Battery charging and replaceable battery options

“this is a pretty key feature that is easily worth the $50 price difference between brands.”➕

“You have a choice of a replaceable rechargeable battery pack or a little cradle for AAA batteries that does in the same spot.”➕

“it’s the battery that’s not chargeable once removed as the charging contacts are built into the radio.”➕

“You dont need shore power to charge a handheld radio.”➕

Handheld radio model recommendations

“Hope this helps!”➕

“Hard to imagine a good reason to pay more.”➕

“I really like carrying my own radio on OPB because I don’t have to figure out someone else’s radio or depend on it working.”➕

“It's the last handheld you'll ever need to buy.”➕

Frequency usage and legal considerations

“I wonder how useful those are going to be if SHTF and everyone and their dog is using them.”➕

“Honestly unless you are at a ski resort, are in a city, a concert or other busy area.”➕

Comparisons among handheld VHF radios and desired features (DSC, GPS, waterproof)

“if I was on a boat that had lost its electronics or if I had to abandon ship it’s the handheld that I would want with me.”➕

“As a bonus, it plays FM radio for when you’re bored & want a belittle background music.”➕

“Models that float (most do) are also a wise choice.”➕

“standard horizon or icom, can't go wrong.”➕

Battery charging and replaceable battery options for radio restoration

“Rebuild it yourself! That's the spirit of ham radio!”➕

“You can use a buck/boost board and make your own battery pack using lithium batteries.”➕

“You can try making a NiMh battery pack.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Communication range and technical limitations

“If you want much longer range from a small portable radio... you need high frequency ham radio.”➕

“Thank you, this is exactly the information I need to even even begin to get started on this.”➕

Debate over radio scanning versus amateur radio performance

“If you goal is simply to listen in, I would recommend focusing in scanners.”➕

“The Baofeng is considered "the best amateur radio" ONLY because of its price.”➕

“If you just want to listen to specific services and to know what you're listening to, a scanner radio is the way to go.”➕

“Oh boy.....”➕

Concerns over low-power AA/AAA radios and limited range

“your transmit power (range) from AA or AAA could be marginal.”➕

Skepticism about overstated radio reliability and capabilities

“And yet their “radios” absolutely do! 😂”➕