Icom M37 Handheld VHF Marine Radio - 6W, Float'n Flash, 12 Hour Battery, IP57 Waterproof

Professional 6-Watt Handheld VHF with Float'n Flash and 12+ Hours Battery Life

The Icom IC-M37 represents the pinnacle of handheld marine VHF radio engineering, delivering professional 6-watt transmit power, revolutionary Float'n Flash technology, and an industry-leading 12+ hours of operating time in a rugged, waterproof package. Manufactured in Japan to Icom's exacting quality standards, the IC-M37 provides maximum communication range with 6 watts RF output power—50% more than standard 5-watt handhelds—ensuring your voice reaches farther in critical situations. The exclusive Float'n Flash function causes the radio to float upright with a bright red flashing LED on both front and back if dropped overboard, making retrieval easy even in rough seas or low-light conditions. Powerful 700mW audio output delivers crystal-clear sound that cuts through wind, engines, and background noise. Large, glove-friendly buttons and an easy-to-grip ergonomic design ensure confident operation in all conditions. IP57 dust-protection and waterproof rating means the radio survives submersion to 1 meter for 30 minutes. AquaQuake™ draining function clears water from the speaker grill with sound vibrations for clear audio after water exposure. Channel History stores your last five channels for instant recall. The included BP-296 high-capacity Li-ion battery pack provides more than 12 hours of operation (5% TX, 5% RX, 90% standby), eliminating range anxiety. Built to rigorous MIL-STD-810G specifications for military-grade durability including shock, vibration, temperature extremes, humidity, and salt fog resistance. Made in Japan with legendary Icom quality and reliability backed by a 3-year warranty.

Key Features

• 6-Watt RF Output Power: Maximum legal handheld VHF power provides 50% more output than standard 5-watt radios for extended communication range. The 6-watt transmit power ensures your voice reaches farther, especially critical in emergencies or when operating at maximum range. Selectable high/low power (6W/1W) optimizes battery life when operating at close range while maintaining full power capability for distance communication.
• Float'n Flash Function: Exclusive Icom technology makes the IC-M37 float upright with bright red flashing LED lights on both front and back when dropped in water. The flashing LED is visible from long distances and continues for extended periods to aid retrieval even in rough seas, low light, or nighttime conditions. This critical safety feature prevents expensive radio loss and ensures you can recover your communication lifeline if accidentally dropped overboard.
• 12+ Hours Operating Time: Industry-leading battery life provides more than 12 hours of operation with the included BP-296 Li-ion battery pack (based on 5% TX, 5% RX, 90% standby duty cycle). This exceptional endurance eliminates range anxiety during long days on the water, extended passages, or emergency situations. The user-replaceable BP-296 battery pack allows you to carry spares for virtually unlimited operating time.
• 700mW Audio Output Power: Powerful 700mW internal speaker delivers exceptionally loud, clear audio that cuts through wind noise, engine sounds, and challenging marine environments. The high-power audio ensures you hear critical communications, weather reports, and emergency calls even in noisy conditions. External speaker jack provides 300mW output (4Ω load) for optional external speaker connection.
• IP57 Dust-Protection and Waterproof: Rigorous IP57 rating certifies dust-tight protection and waterproof construction surviving submersion to 1 meter depth for 30 minutes. Exceeds IPX7 waterproof standard. This rugged construction ensures reliable operation during heavy spray, rain, or accidental immersion. The radio continues functioning even after water exposure.
• AquaQuake™ Draining Function: Icom's exclusive AquaQuake technology uses sound vibrations to clear water from the speaker grill after water exposure. When activated, AquaQuake generates low-frequency vibrations that force water out of the speaker, restoring full audio clarity quickly. This innovative feature prevents muffled audio and ensures the speaker performs optimally even after submersion.
• Large Keys and Easy-to-Grip Design: Oversized buttons with positive tactile feedback enable confident operation while wearing gloves or in rough conditions. The ergonomic chassis design with textured surfaces provides secure grip even when wet. Intuitive button layout places critical functions including 16/C (instant Channel 16/Call channel access) within easy reach. The user-friendly interface reduces learning curve and improves safety.
• Built to MIL-STD-810G Standards: Exceeds rigorous U.S. Military Standard 810G specifications for environmental durability including low pressure (Method 500.5), high temperature (501.5), low temperature (502.5), temperature shock (503.5), solar radiation (505.5), rain blowing/drip (506.5), humidity (507.5), salt fog (509.5), dust blowing (510.5), immersion (512.5), vibration (514.6), and shock (516.6). This military-grade construction ensures reliable operation in the harshest marine environments from Arctic cold to tropical heat.
• Channel History Function: Automatically stores the last five channels used for instant recall without scrolling through the entire channel list. This time-saving feature allows quick access to frequently used channels for monitoring fishing fleets, marinas, bridge channels, or commonly monitored frequencies. Improves operational efficiency and reduces distraction.
• Instant Channel 16 and Call Channel Access: Dedicated 16/C button provides instant access to emergency Channel 16 or your designated call channel from any channel with a single button press. In emergency situations, this one-button access to Channel 16 saves critical seconds. Press and hold to return to your working channel.
• Voice Loud and Mute Functions: Temporarily maximize volume for important transmissions or instantly mute audio without adjusting volume controls. Voice Loud function temporarily increases volume to maximum regardless of volume setting—perfect for hearing critical communications in noisy environments. Voice Mute temporarily silences audio for private conversations without losing your channel.
• Low Battery Alert: Audible and visual low battery warning provides advance notice before battery depletion, ensuring you're never caught without communication capability. The alert gives you time to switch to backup batteries or return to the dock before losing power.
• Dualwatch and Tri-Watch Functions: Monitor two channels simultaneously (Dualwatch) or three channels (Tri-Watch) for comprehensive situational awareness. Dualwatch monitors Channel 16 and your selected working channel automatically, ensuring you never miss emergency calls while working other channels. Tri-Watch adds weather channels for complete monitoring coverage.
• Weather Channels with Weather Alert: All 10 NOAA weather radio channels with automatic Weather Alert function. The radio monitors weather channels for 1050Hz alert tones broadcast by the National Weather Service. When severe weather warnings, storm advisories, or marine hazard notifications are issued, the radio activates an audible alarm providing critical advance warning time.
• Favorite Channel Function: Program frequently used channels into favorites memory for quick access without scrolling through the complete channel list. Perfect for tournament anglers, charter captains, or anyone who regularly uses specific channels for fleet coordination, marinas, or local working channels.
• BP-296 Li-ion Battery Pack Included: High-capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack (2350mAh typical, 2200mAh minimum) provides more than 12 hours of operating time. User-replaceable design allows quick battery swaps for extended operations. The BP-296 has no memory effect and can be recharged anytime without performance degradation.
• BC-235 Desktop Charger Included: Rapid desktop charger with BC-217SA/SE AC adapter (included) provides fast, safe charging. Simply drop the radio in the charger—no need to remove the battery pack. LED charging indicator shows charge status. Compact charger design fits easily on any surface.
• Optional BP-297 AAA Battery Case: For extended expeditions or emergency backup, the optional BP-297 battery case (sold separately) accepts 3× AAA (LR03) alkaline cells. Provides 1-watt output power with alkaline cells. The IC-M37 floats when used with most common brand AAA batteries (battery weight varies by manufacturer—check buoyancy in shallow area). This versatile power option ensures communication capability anywhere.
• Made in Japan Quality: Manufactured in Japan to Icom's legendary quality standards with premium components and rigorous testing. Every IC-M37 undergoes comprehensive inspection before leaving the factory, ensuring consistent performance and long-term reliability. The "Made in JAPAN" badge represents uncompromising engineering excellence.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: TX 156.025-157.425MHz / RX 156.050-163.275MHz
• Channels: All USA, International, Canadian, and Weather channels
• Type of Emission: 16K0G3E
• Output Power: 6W / 1W selectable (High/Low)
• Audio Output: Internal SP: 700mW typical (8Ω load) / External SP: 300mW typical (4Ω load)
• Current Consumption (3.7V DC): TX 2.75A (6W) / 1.0A (1W), RX 0.4A (Int. SP) / 0.2A (Ext. SP)
• Battery Life: More than 12 hours* with BP-296 (*TX:RX:Standby = 5:5:90)
• Waterproof Rating: IP57 (1 meter depth for 30 minutes)
• Float'n Flash: Floats upright with front/back red flashing LED
• Receiver Sensitivity: 0.25μV typical (at 12dB SINAD)
• Squelch Sensitivity: 0.25μV typical (threshold)
• Adjacent Channel Selectivity: 70dB typical
• Spurious Response: 70dB typical
• Intermodulation: 70dB typical
• Hum and Noise: 40dB
• Transmitter Max Frequency Deviation: ±5kHz
• Frequency Stability: ±10ppm
• Spurious Emissions: -68dBc typical
• Antenna Impedance: 50Ω
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F)
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 59.7 × 140.5 × 38.7mm (2.4 × 5.5 × 1.5 inches) projections not included
• Weight: 293g (10.3oz) with BP-296, antenna, and belt clip
• MIL-STD-810G Compliance: Methods 500.5, 501.5, 502.5, 503.5, 505.5, 506.5, 507.5, 509.5, 510.5, 512.5, 514.6, 516.6
• Country of Origin: Japan
• Warranty: 3-year manufacturer warranty
• Certifications: FCC Part 80, Industry Canada, USCG approved

Float'n Flash Technology

Icom's exclusive Float'n Flash technology represents a breakthrough in handheld VHF safety and usability. When the IC-M37 is dropped in water, it floats in an upright position with the display facing up, making it immediately visible. Simultaneously, bright red LED lights on both the front and back of the radio begin flashing, providing a highly visible beacon that can be seen from considerable distances even in rough seas or low-light conditions. The flashing continues for extended periods, giving you ample time to retrieve the radio. This dual-LED design ensures visibility from any angle. Unlike radios that sink or float face-down, the IC-M37's upright floating orientation makes it easy to spot and grab. The Float'n Flash function operates automatically—no activation required. This innovative safety feature has saved countless radios from being lost overboard and ensures your communication lifeline remains retrievable in any situation.

12+ Hour Battery Endurance

The IC-M37's industry-leading battery life eliminates range anxiety and ensures communication capability throughout the longest days on the water. The included BP-296 Li-ion battery pack provides more than 12 hours of operating time based on realistic duty cycles (5% transmit, 5% receive, 90% standby). This exceptional endurance means you can leave the dock early and stay out late without worrying about battery depletion. Tournament anglers appreciate all-day communication without battery changes. Cruisers enjoy multi-day passages with minimal charging requirements. The high-capacity 2350mAh battery pack uses modern lithium-ion technology with no memory effect—you can recharge anytime without degrading capacity. The user-replaceable design allows quick battery swaps, and optional spare BP-296 packs provide virtually unlimited operating time for extended voyages or emergency preparedness.

Mil-Spec Durability

The IC-M37 exceeds rigorous U.S. Military Standard 810G specifications across fourteen environmental test methods, ensuring reliable operation in conditions that would disable lesser radios. High temperature testing (up to 60°C/140°F) confirms operation in extreme heat. Low temperature testing (down to -20°C/-4°F) validates Arctic and winter performance. Temperature shock testing verifies the radio survives rapid temperature changes. Solar radiation testing confirms UV resistance and heat buildup tolerance. Rain blowing and drip testing validates performance in heavy weather. Humidity testing ensures tropical climate reliability. Salt fog testing confirms corrosion resistance in harsh marine environments. Dust blowing testing validates sealed construction. Immersion testing exceeds IP57 waterproof requirements. Vibration testing confirms structural integrity under continuous vibration. Shock testing validates drop resistance and impact survival. This comprehensive military-standard testing provides confidence for the most demanding marine applications.

Compatibility

The IC-M37 is compatible with Icom's complete handheld accessory ecosystem. The optional HM-213 speaker-microphone (sold separately) features IP57 waterproof construction and floats with the radio attached. The FA-SC59V flexible antenna (included) can be replaced with alternative Icom marine antennas. The optional BP-297 battery case (sold separately) accepts 3× AAA alkaline cells for emergency backup power. The BC-235 desktop charger (included) works with the included BC-217SA/SE AC adapter. The MB-133 belt clip (included) provides secure belt or PFD attachment. All accessories are designed specifically for the IC-M37 and maintain waterproof integrity.

What's Included

• Icom IC-M37 handheld VHF radio
• BP-296 rechargeable Li-ion battery pack (2350mAh)
• BC-235 desktop charger
• BC-217SA/SE AC adapter*
• FA-SC59V flexible antenna
• MB-133 belt clip
• Hand strap
• Owner's manual
• Warranty registration

*AC adapter may differ or not be supplied depending on transceiver version

Ideal For

The Icom IC-M37 is perfect for serious recreational boaters, offshore anglers, sailboat cruisers, kayak anglers, PWC operators, commercial fishermen, charter captains, sailing instructors, yacht crew, marine patrol, and anyone requiring professional-grade handheld VHF communication. The 6-watt output power provides maximum communication range for offshore fishing, long-distance cruising, or operating at the limits of VHF range. Tournament anglers appreciate the 12+ hour battery life, loud 700mW audio, and Float'n Flash safety. Offshore sailors value the rugged MIL-STD-810G construction, waterproof reliability, and AquaQuake draining function. Kayak anglers and PWC operators benefit from the compact size, secure belt clip, and buoyant Float'n Flash design. Commercial operators choose the IC-M37 for its proven reliability, made-in-Japan quality, and professional 6-watt power. The IC-M37 excels as a primary communication radio for smaller boats or as a backup radio for larger vessels. Anyone operating in challenging marine environments will appreciate the military-grade durability, exceptional audio clarity, and legendary Icom reliability.

About Icom

Icom Incorporated has been the global leader in marine communication technology since 1954, with over 65 years of engineering excellence and innovation. Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, Icom manufactures premium marine electronics to the highest quality standards with rigorous testing protocols. The IC-M37 represents Icom's commitment to professional-grade handheld VHF performance, innovative safety features, and uncompromising reliability. Every Icom radio undergoes comprehensive inspection before leaving the factory, ensuring consistent quality and long-term durability. Icom's legendary reliability is trusted by coast guards, commercial mariners, and serious recreational boaters worldwide. The "Made in JAPAN" designation represents decades of engineering expertise and manufacturing precision. When your safety and communication depend on equipment that works every time, choose Icom—the professional choice for marine communication.