This new VHF marine radio from Standard Horizon is small – 5.2cm x 9.5cm x 3.3cm (2.05inx 3.74in x 1.3in) – and weighing only 230g without the antenna it’s about the size of a standard pack of cards.

It has an easy-to-navigate menu and can save 10 channels as presets, as well as having CH16 available at the press of a button.

While it’s waterproof, the radio doesn’t float unless you opt for the 
SHC-29 floating case, which enlarges it.

Continues below…

Enough with the radio checks already! Over!

As another day’s sailing begins with radio checks on Ch16, Andy Du Port says enough is enough

DSC VHF emergency checklist

Download your DSC VHF emergency checklist here...

The radio has a battery-save function to give the most from its 7.4v lithium polymer battery, while the less battery-cautious owner can take advantage of the built-in FM radio.

The Standard Horizon HX40E costs £159 and is ava standardhorizon.co.uk