Uniden UM435 Advanced Fixed Mount VHF Marine Radio, All USA/International/Canadian Marine Channels Including New 4-Digit, CDN “B” Channels, 1 Watt/25 Watt Power, Waterproof IPX8 Submersible, White

I purchased this radio for my dinghy, but after waiting two months to have it installed due to Covid-related issues, I decided it would work better on my main boat. There are nineteen protocols in total. My concerns are as follows:br>1) The radio has a non-disclosure agreement. Because background noise is unbearable and makes broadcasts received unintelligible, the use of channels 5A, 11, 14, 21A, and 67 is rendered unusable. VTS channels for the Puget Sound region are Ch 5A, 11, and 14. br>2) The radio does not properly respond to DSC calls because it does not send out the required Ack response. I tested it on two different radios. A DSC test call to the USCG is also not properly responded to. Yes, the GPS is properly connected and is displaying GPS coordinates correctly. 3) There is no such thing as customer service. existent. Two weeks ago, I sent them an email informing them of the problems. I sent a follow-up message after a week had passed with no response. "We're working on your problem," came out as an automatic response. I tried again two days ago and received the same automated response. So, instead of waiting in line, I decided to call in my problem. So, I got a message that said, "We're sorry, but we're closed for training. " There's no word on how long they'll be available, or even IF and when they'll be. To summarize: br>br>Faulty equipment combined with a lack of customer service equals DO NOT BUY A UNIDEN RADIO. I've learned my lesson, and for the next $50, I'll stick with ICOM or Standard Horizon VHF products. The difference in price is well worth it when compared to the costs of installing, diagnosing, and resolving problems with the less expensive product.

Amalia Rollins

| Jun 18, 2021

I bought five of these for my tow boat fleet. Four out of five radios lasted more than a few months, earning four out of five stars. With the exception of one, they all perform admirably. That after two months, the speaker would work intermittently and then not at all. None of the other four have had any problems. There's most likely a flaw or something loose inside, so it'll have to be returned. When the volume is turned up all the way, they transmit clearly and are quite loud. If you only have one radio and want to listen to multiple stations, the multi channel scan feature comes in handy. If you're going to dash mount it (like I did), make sure you get the mounting push brackets as well. Overall, this is a good VHF for the money.

Terrance Giles

| Dec 09, 2021

Due to reports of a faulty plastic microphone fitting, I loosened the mike bracket's spring action. I installed the radio and a 42" antenna on my pontoon boat, launched at the St Johns River, 26 miles away, and requested a radio check, receiving a clear response on ch 16. I requested a RR bridge opening on channel 09 several miles into my journey and was told I was heard clearly. I was able to clearly hear several weather stations. I don't like how the channels are chosen, but I can live with it. I'm pleased with my decision.

Halle West

| Jul 02, 2021

I requested a radio check the first time I went out, and I returned loud and clear. It has a scan feature, unlike older radios, which would go into scan mode and then stop on that channel if anyone was talking. This one requires you to program the channels you want to scan by simply going to that station and holding down the scan button until it beeps, similar to how you would program your car radio stations. The company sent it out quickly and for no charge, and it arrived earlier than expected. I gave it four stars because the boat now makes a popping noise after the third time I took it out. I'm not sure what's causing it, but I'll look into it. Aside from that, it's a great deal.

Karsyn Dawson

| Nov 17, 2021

We used to have a Uniden radio that was a lot more powerful and had a lot more features. We had to replace two of them because the first one had failed after a few years of use. br>br>We had a WHAM that was supposed to work with the newer UNIDEN VHF models, according to the manual. It's still functional, and that's a feature I really wanted. br>br>With our previous radio, which had a far more effective interface in the mike (and, not coincidentally, a speaker in it so that in noisy conditions - a common sight on the sea - I was able to hear the transmission clearly while holding the mike next to my ear), as well as other features not available on this budget model. br>br>However, it performs as expected, transmitting and receiving consistently with the same antenna as the previous radio. br>br>If a replacement for the original had been available, I would have purchased it. However, I purchased this one because I had previously been pleased with Uniden equipment. It wasn't a plug-and-play situation. br>br> The previous radio was taller than this one, but it did fit into the previous flush-mount installation. The mounting hardware fit snugly on the sides and worked in the same way. br>br>A great buy at a low price. However, if you plan to use it frequently (such as during the day), you'll want a radio with more features.

Paul Castaneda

| Jan 16, 2021

I set it up and it worked perfectly the first time I used it. The wind had picked up on the way back in from fishing, making it a little sporty for my 16' boat, and I was soaked by the time I arrived. The following weekend, I turned it on and heard the initial beep. On triple scan, the boat never received a single call or weather update during the entire day. It didn't seem to be receiving, so I assumed it wasn't. I tried to use my previous handheld Cobra VHF radio to see if it could transmit or receive calls, but it couldn't. I had received calls from the weather and the Coast Guard on my handheld, but not from the Uniden. Now I have to go through the process of having it shipped to them or having a new unit sent to me. Get a warranty extension!.

Aaliyah MIAH

| Dec 19, 2021

I spent four days trying to connect and get the NMEA features to work. Directions aren't just useless; they're impossible to figure out, and you'll spend the rest of your life trying. If you think connecting a Garmin unit with only two wires is easy, reconsider.

Rohan Hall

| Apr 03, 2021

We were in Ventura's harbor, talking to San Pedro, when I put it in. I couldn't believe such a small radio could perform so well.

Wesley Pearson

| Oct 25, 2021