Blackberries and iPhones may be mini marvels of technology, but water resistance isn’t their strongest feature. Nor, against a background of wind, wave and engine noise, is volume. So Cobra’s MR F300 BT is worth looking out for, because it lets you use most of the phone functions of any Bluetooth-enabled phone in the cockpit or wheelhouse, while leaving the phone itself tucked away somewhere safe -- whether that means in a waterproof pocket or in a locker somewhere else on board.
Looking more like a VHF microphone than a phone, the MR F500 BT is waterproof enough to withstand half an hour’s complete immersion, and it includes a noise-cancelling microphone and a loudspeaker -- and if the built-in speaker isn’t enough for you, it can even be connected to your boat’s stereo system!
Prices vary, but are generally in the order of £170.
www.cobra.com