GME GX800W 5/1 Watt Handheld VHF Marine Radio - Float & Flash

GME GX800W Handheld VHF Marine Radio IP67 Float and Flash Safety Feature 5W and 1W Switchable Dual and Triple Watch

The GME GX800W is a handheld VHF marine radio with a deliberate focus on safety. IP67 rated for full dust and water protection to 1 metre immersion for 30 minutes. The Float and Flash feature means that if the radio is dropped overboard, it floats to the surface and the LCD flashes brightly to aid location and retrieval. Switchable 5W/1W power, dual watch, triple watch, programmable scanning, and international, USA, and Canadian channel sets.

Product overview

On the water, dropping a handheld radio overboard is a genuine risk. The GX800W addresses this directly with its Float and Flash design. The radio floats rather than sinking, and the LCD activates a bright flashing pattern that makes the radio visible in the water particularly useful in low-light conditions, rough water, or when the radio has drifted from the vessel. This combination significantly improves the chance of retrieval.

IP67 provides full dust-tight protection and temporary submersion resistance to 1 metre for 30 minutes. This is a submersion rating rather than just splash protection, meaning the radio survives being dropped into water rather than merely resisting rain and spray.

Switchable 5W/1W output provides full-range 5W communication across the VHF marine band or 1W for close-range use and battery conservation. The large bright LCD is readable in low-light and nighttime conditions. Dual watch and triple watch monitor two or three channels simultaneously, including Channel 16 the international VHF marine distress, safety, and calling channel that all vessels with VHF radios are expected to monitor when underway. Programmable and priority scan modes allow user-configured channel monitoring. International, USA, and Canadian channel sets are included for Australian and international operation.

The GX800W suits tenders, dinghies, kayaks, and small watercraft without fixed VHF installations, and functions as an effective secondary portable radio on larger vessels.

Features and benefits

Float and Flash safety feature: If dropped overboard, the radio floats to the surface and the LCD flashes brightly for location and retrieval. Designed for open watercraft, dinghy sailing, kayaking, and fishing where a drop overboard is a realistic possibility.

IP67 ingress protection: Fully dust-tight and waterproof to 1 metre immersion for 30 minutes. Survives submersion rather than only resisting spray.

5W and 1W switchable power: 5W for maximum communication range across the VHF marine band, 1W for close-range use and extended battery life.

Large bright LCD: Clearly readable in low-light and nighttime conditions on the water.

Dual watch and triple watch: Monitors two or three channels simultaneously, including Channel 16, without missing important calls.

Programmable scan and priority scan: User-configurable channel scanning with priority monitoring of nominated channels.

International, USA, and Canadian channel sets: Complete VHF marine coverage for Australian and international operation.

Suited to tenders, dinghies, and small watercraft: Ideal for vessels without fixed VHF installations and as a secondary portable radio on larger vessels.

Technical specs

Frequently asked questions

What is Float and Flash and how does it work? Float and Flash is a safety feature addressing the risk of dropping a handheld marine radio overboard. The radio is designed to float to the surface rather than sinking, and the LCD simultaneously activates a bright flashing pattern to make the radio visible in the water. This combination significantly improves retrieval chances, particularly in low-light conditions or rough water.

What does IP67 mean for a handheld marine radio? IP67 means the radio is fully dust-tight and protected against temporary submersion to 1 metre for up to 30 minutes. For a handheld marine radio, this means it survives being dropped into shallow water or briefly submerged rather than merely resisting rain and spray. This is a meaningful safety upgrade for open-water and on-deck use.

What is Channel 16 and why is it important to monitor? Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is the international VHF marine distress, safety, and calling channel. All vessels with VHF radios are expected to monitor Channel 16 continuously when underway. Mayday distress calls, safety broadcasts, and initial contact calls are made on Channel 16. The dual and triple watch functions allow the GX800W to monitor Channel 16 simultaneously while operating on a working channel.

What vessels and situations is the GX800W best suited to? The GX800W suits tenders, dinghies, kayaks, and small watercraft without fixed VHF installations, and open watercraft, dinghy sailing, kayaking, and fishing where the radio is exposed and a drop overboard is realistic. It also functions effectively as a secondary portable radio on larger vessels.

What accessories are included with the GX800W? Included accessories are not confirmed in the available product data. Contact us to confirm current package contents including battery, charger, strap, and belt clip.