You’ll get a compact, truly submersible VHF that floats, runs about 10 hours on the included NiMH pack, and transmits at selectable 3 W or 1 W for roughly a 15 km typical range. It covers US/Canadian/international channels plus NOAA/WX alerts, has waterproof audio recovery, and tactile controls usable with gloves. It’s ideal for recreational boaters who want rugged simplicity rather than DSC/GPS features — keep going and you’ll see detailed performance and trade-offs.
Some Key Takeaways
- IPX8/JIS8 waterproof and floating design ensures recovery and operation after submersion.
- Selectable 3 W/1 W transmit power provides roughly 15 km typical range, dependent on antenna height and terrain.
- Includes NOAA weather channels and alerts for timely marine weather updates.
- Simple, glove-friendly controls, large dual-color display, and water-clear speaker for easy on-water use.
- Ships with four 950 mAh NiMH cells (~10-hour runtime), DC charging cable, belt clip, and a three-year warranty.
Quick Verdict: Is the Uniden Atlantis 155 Worth Buying?
Because it combines true waterproofing, floating design, and practical VHF features, the Uniden Atlantis 155 is a solid buy for most recreational boaters who need reliable, straightforward comms. You get a rugged, IPX8 handset with speaker recovery after immersion, NOAA alerts, and selectable 3 W/1 W transmit power for typical 15 km range. It supports all marine channels and prioritizes marine safety with simple controls and a large display. Runtime suits day trips; you should follow battery recycling guidelines for the included NiMH cells. If you want basic, dependable VHF performance, it’s a pragmatic choice. This makes it a good fit for those focused on emergency radios and safe boating adventures.
What You Get: Package Contents, Battery, Warranty, and Key Specs
Following the quick verdict, here’s what you actually get in the box and the core specs that matter on the water. You get the Uniden Atlantis 155 radio, DC charging cable, belt clip, and four 950 mAh AAA NiMH rechargeables — a tidy package overview. The radio floats, is IPX8/JIS8 submersible, and features the largest LCD in class with dual-color backlight. Battery lifespan is about 10 hours under typical use; charging is via included DC cable. Specs: VHF 156–174 MHz, 16 channels, selectable 3 W/1 W transmit, NOAA weather, dimensions 1.5×2.5×8.9 inches, three-year warranty. Essential gear for safer and smarter boating includes reliable marine VHF radios like this one and related accessories for onboard communication and safety marine VHF radios.
How It Performs on the Water: Waterproofing, Floatability, Audio, Range, and NOAA/WX
Typically, the Atlantis 155 performs reliably on the water: its IPX8/JIS8 submersible rating and floating design mean you can drop it overboard and retrieve it functioning. You’ll appreciate waterproof durability during heavy spray and immersion; seals and construction resist salt and freshwater. Signal consistency is strong within the advertised ~15 km range at 3 W, though terrain and antenna height affect results. The speaker clarity recovers after submersion thanks to the water-clear function, keeping voice intelligibility. NOAA/WX channels and alerts provide timely weather info. Keep standard emergency procedures in place—distress protocol, VHF channel 16, and backup power. Consider these essential tips when choosing handheld marine radios to ensure the model meets your boating needs.
Usability and Daily Operation: Controls, Display/Backlight, Channel Support, and Power Modes
Get hands-on quickly—controls are intuitively laid out so you can operate the Atlantis 155 with minimal fiddling. You’ll find a logical button layout: large PTT, channel rocker, and dedicated function keys that work with wet hands and gloves. The large LCD plus dual-color paper-white and red backlight supports day and night visibility modes; switch easily between them. Channel support covers US, Canadian (including “B”), and international channels, plus NOAA weather and new 4-digit channels. Use the quick scan function to monitor busy traffic. Power management includes selectable transmit power and efficient battery saver modes for prolonged outings. The Atlantis 155 pairs well with other marine multifunction displays for integrated navigation and communication.
Who Should Buy It (and Who Should Consider Alternatives)
If you need a compact, rugged VHF that floats and keeps working after a dunk, the Atlantis 155 is a strong choice for recreational boaters, anglers, and small-boat operators who want clear marine comms, NOAA weather alerts, and simple controls without professional complexity. You should buy it if you value IPX8 submersion protection, long-ish 10‑hour NiMH runtime, and easy channel access on a lightweight handheld. Consider alternatives if you’re a commercial operator needing DSC, GPS integration, higher transmit power, or extended battery life and durability for duty cycles. It’s optimized for leisure use, not professional installations. Consider pairing it with an appropriate marine battery switch to ensure reliable power management on your boat.
Some Questions Answered
Does It Support DSC (Digital Selective Calling)?
No, it doesn’t support DSC compatibility for automated distress calling. You’ll still get NOAA weather alerts and standard VHF voice channels, but Emergency signaling via DSC (Digital Selective Calling) isn’t available on this unit. If you need DSC for automated position-bearing distress alerts and MMSI-based calls, you’ll want a DSC-capable VHF radio with DSC, MMSI programming, and GPS input; this handheld is limited to manual voice emergency procedures.
Can It Be Paired to an External Antenna?
No, you can’t directly pair an external antenna to this handheld — it lacks an external antenna port. If you need better range, you’ll use antenna adapter options: install a dedicated marine VHF base station or use an inline RF adapter/antenna coupler that’s professionally wired to a fixed antenna and transmitter, but note loss and legal limits. For reliable performance, choose proper marine-rated adapters and have installation done by a qualified technician.
Are Replacement Batteries Available From Uniden?
Yes — you can get battery replacements from Uniden and through authorized dealers. They supply the 4× AAA NiMH 950 mAh pack used in the radio; replacements, warranty support and specs are available via Uniden customer service or authorized dealers. You’ll want genuine Uniden cells to guarantee waterproof sealing and battery life. Contact the manufacturer or an authorized dealer for part numbers, pricing and compatible replacement packs or service options.
Does It Include Bluetooth or App Connectivity?
No — it doesn’t support Bluetooth pairing or a Mobile app. You get a standalone VHF handheld with no wireless smartphone integration. The radio relies on direct VHF operation, physical charging via the included DC cable, and onboard controls and display. For remote control, logging, or app-based configuration you’ll need a different model that explicitly lists Bluetooth and Mobile app compatibility; this unit stays strictly marine-radio–centric and waterproof.
Is There a Built-In GPS or Location Sharing Feature?
No — the Atlantis 155 has no GPS and no location sharing. You’ll rely on manual position reporting and voice calls for location data. It doesn’t include an emergency beacon or DSC-based automatic distress with coordinates. You can still use it for routine VHF communication, NOAA weather alerts, and selectable transmit power, but you’ll need a separate GPS or emergency locator for automated position transmission or beacon functionality.
