Icom M73 PLUS Handheld VHF Marine Radio - 6W, IPX8 Submersible, Active Noise Cancelling, Voice Recording, Bass Boost

Professional Handheld VHF with Premium Audio Technology

The Icom M73 PLUS handheld VHF marine radio delivers professional-grade performance with advanced audio features that set it apart from basic models. With 6 watts of transmit power, IPX8 Submersible Plus™ waterproofing, built-in Active Noise Cancelling, Last Call Voice Recording, and Bass Boost function, the M73 PLUS is engineered for serious boaters who demand crystal-clear communication in any marine environment. USCG compliant and FCC Part 80 certified for safe, legal operation on U.S. waterways. Free shipping included.

Key Features

• 6W RF Output Power: Maximum 6 watts transmit power with selectable Hi/Mid/Low settings (6W/3W/1W) provides extended communication range for reliable vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore contact. High-capacity BP-245H lithium-ion battery delivers up to 17 hours of operation under typical 5:5:90 duty cycle conditions.
• IPX8 Submersible Plus™ Waterproofing: Exceeds IPX8 standards with rigorous testing to 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) submersion for 30 minutes. Built to military specifications (MIL-STD-810G) for extreme marine conditions including salt fog, temperature shock, rain, humidity, vibration, and shock resistance.
• Built-In Active Noise Cancelling: Advanced bidirectional noise cancelling technology reduces background engine and wind noise by up to 90%, dramatically improving both your transmitted voice clarity and incoming call reception. Essential for clear communication in rough seas, high winds, or noisy engine rooms.
• Last Call Voice Recording: Automatically records the last incoming transmission for up to one minute with manual recording start capability. Never miss critical weather updates, marina instructions, bridge openings, or emergency information. Replay messages as needed without requesting repeats.
• Bass Boost Function: Sophisticated signal processing technology emphasizes low-pitched sound to provide rich bass audio for both transmit and receive signals. Voices sound more natural and are easier to understand, especially in challenging conditions with interference.
• 700mW Loud Audio: BTL (bridge-tied load) amplifier delivers exceptionally loud 700mW audio output through the internal speaker. Hear transmissions clearly even in noisy cockpit environments, high winds, or with engine noise present.
• Slim Hourglass Ergonomic Design: Stylish, comfortable grip fits naturally in hand for extended use without fatigue. Rugged construction with intuitive button layout and wide viewing angle LCD provides bright, easy-to-read characters in direct sunlight or low-light conditions.
• AquaQuake™ Water Draining: Prevents audio degradation from water-logged speaker grille by using vibration technology to clear water droplets, ensuring consistent audio performance immediately after submersion or heavy spray.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: Tx: 156.025–157.425 MHz | Rx: 156.050–163.275 MHz
• Channels: INT, USA, CAN, WX (Weather) channels - all pre-programmed
• Power Output: 6W (High), 3W (Mid), 1W (Low) selectable
• Waterproof Rating: IPX8 (1.5m depth for 30 minutes)
• Audio Output: 700mW (internal speaker), 350mW (external speaker) at 10% distortion
• Battery Life: Approximately 17 hours with BP-245H (5:5:90 duty cycle)
• Current Drain: 1.5A (transmit at 6W), 450mA (receive with internal speaker)
• Sensitivity: 0.22 µV typical (at 12dB SINAD)
• Dimensions: 52.5 x 125 x 30 mm (2.0 x 4.9 x 1.2 inches) without projections
• Weight: 320g (11.3 oz) with BP-245H battery, FA-S64V antenna, and MB-103 belt clip
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F)
• Antenna Impedance: 50Ω
• Type of Emission: 16K0G3E (FM)
• Certifications: FCC Part 80, MIL-STD-810G, IPX8, USCG approved

Advanced Audio Technologies

The M73 PLUS stands out with three professional audio enhancements that dramatically improve communication quality. The bidirectional Active Noise Cancelling uses advanced digital signal processing to filter out background engine rumble, wind howl, and wave noise by up to 90% on both transmit and receive. Last Call Voice Recording automatically captures the last received transmission for one minute, allowing you to replay critical information like weather forecasts, docking instructions, or bridge schedules without requesting repeats. Bass Boost signal processing enriches low-frequency audio for natural-sounding voices that cut through static and interference. Combined with the powerful 700mW BTL amplifier, you'll experience the clearest marine VHF communication available in a handheld radio.

Military-Grade Durability

Built to withstand the harshest marine environments, the M73 PLUS meets or exceeds MIL-STD-810G military specifications across multiple test categories including low pressure, high/low temperature, temperature shock, solar radiation, rain, humidity, salt fog, dust, immersion, vibration, and shock. The IPX8 Submersible Plus™ rating means the radio will continue operating after being dropped overboard and retrieved from 1.5 meters underwater for 30 minutes. AquaQuake™ technology quickly clears the speaker grille of water droplets to restore full audio performance within seconds of submersion.

Operational Features

• Dual/Tri-Watch Function: Monitor Channel 16 (emergency/hailing) and your call channel simultaneously for maximum situational awareness
• Favorite Channel Function: Program quick access to your most-used channels for instant selection
• Tag Scan Function: Scan only tagged channels of interest, skipping irrelevant frequencies
• 4-Level Battery Indicator: Always know remaining power at a glance on the LCD display
• Auto Power Save: Extends battery life during standby periods without compromising receive capability
• Wide Viewing Angle LCD: High-intensity backlit display remains readable in bright sunlight or darkness
• Channel 16/C Button: Instant one-touch access to emergency hailing channel
• H/L Power Button: Quick transmit power selection for battery conservation or maximum range
• Weather Channels: All NOAA weather channels (WX1-WX10) pre-programmed for instant weather updates

What Makes the M73 PLUS Different

The M73 PLUS is the full-featured professional version of Icom's popular M73 platform, distinguished by three critical audio technologies not found in the basic model. Active Noise Cancelling provides 90% noise reduction for both transmit and receive. Last Call Voice Recording ensures you never miss important information. Bass Boost delivers natural-sounding, intelligible voice audio. These professional features make the M73 PLUS ideal for serious mariners who operate in challenging conditions where communication clarity is essential for safety and efficient operations.

Compatibility & Expandability

The M73 PLUS works seamlessly with Icom's comprehensive accessory lineup. Optional waterproof speaker-microphones include the HM-167 (IPX8 rugged) and HM-202 (IPX7 compact) for remote operation convenience. Multiple charging options include the supplied BC-210 rapid desktop charger (3-hour charge time), BC-123S standard charger, BC-197 multi-charger for fleet operations (charges up to 6 batteries), and the supplied CP-25H cigarette lighter cable for 12V DC charging aboard your vessel. Choose from FA-S59V (150mm) or FA-S64V (115mm) antennas and multiple belt attachment styles.

What's Included

• Icom M73 PLUS VHF Marine Transceiver
• BP-245H Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 2100mAh min/2250mAh typ)
• BC-210 Rapid Desktop Charger (3-hour charge time)
• BC-123SA/SE AC Adapter (varies by version)
• CP-25H Cigarette Lighter Cable for 12V DC charging
• MB-103 Alligator-Style Belt Clip
• FA-S59V or FA-S64V Antenna (varies by version)
• Hand Strap
• Owner's Manual
• Free Shipping

Ideal For

The Icom M73 PLUS is perfect for serious recreational boaters, offshore sailors, powerboaters, fishing enthusiasts, and professional mariners who demand the clearest possible communication. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller vessels, center consoles, sailing dinghies, and as a premium backup radio on larger boats. The combination of Active Noise Cancelling, Voice Recording, Bass Boost, and military-grade durability makes it equally suited for commercial marine operations, charter services, yacht delivery crews, fishing guides, and professional mariners working in demanding offshore conditions where communication reliability is critical.

About Icom

Icom Incorporated has been a global leader in marine communication since 1954. With over 70 years of innovation in radio technology, Icom is renowned for engineering excellence, rugged reliability, and cutting-edge features like AquaQuake™ and Active Noise Canceller. Trusted by recreational boaters, professional mariners, coast guards, and marine industries worldwide, Icom radios are built to perform in the most demanding conditions.