VHF handheld decision

[gt]

I tend to overthink these things, but help me out here.
For inland lakes (big to me is Champlain), and rivers, CT, Thames, Hudson, etc.
Looking for a VHF handheld.

I've been to the stores, handled a lot of them, listened to all I could (WX)

Think I've decided on ICOM.
M34 - about $150 - 5 watts, it floats, sounds a little scratchy
M72 - about $180 - 6 watts (will I notice the diff?), does not float, crystal clear reception (again, WX), best ergonomically feeling radio I've handled. a few hours more battery life.

So, M72 - more power, better sound, better ergonomics,
vs, M34 - it floats!!

Boat is a deep 20', so it's not like Im in a kayak...

Thanks,
Gary

 

[Boatist]

Re: VHF handheld decision

If it was me I go with the better sound.
One thing I can tell you is in a nice quite store they all sound better.
Get out in the wind with the motor running and waves hitting the hull and it will not be so easy to hear.
Most should be water proof. If you need it to float you can put it in a zip lock bag or attach a key float.

I used quite a few handhelds and have 2 of my own.
From experience I would say get the one with the largest speaker even if the whole unit is larger.
They are just so much eaiser to hear and understand out on the boat.