What is the Standard Horizon HX40?
The Standard Horizon HX40 is an ultra-compact, 6-watt handheld marine VHF radio about the size of a deck of playing cards — just 2.05" W × 3.74" H × 1.3" D and 8.1 oz. It carries all USA, International, and Canadian marine channels, NOAA weather with weather alert, and an FM broadcast receiver.
It's IPX7 submersible and runs on a built-in 1850 mAh lithium-polymer battery. On its own it doesn't float, but it floats when fitted in the optional SHC-29 flotation case.
At a glance
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Product Page by Kristin Wood, a two-way radio consultant @ Tech Wholesale | Last Updated: October 2026
Technical Specifications
What's Included
- Standard Horizon HX40 radio
- CAT460 flexible antenna
- SBH-27 charging cradle
- 110V AC adapter for the cradle
- E-DC-19A 12V DC charging cable (cigarette lighter plug)
- Belt clip
- Hand strap
- Owner's manual
Note: The SHC-29 flotation case is sold separately.
HX40 Key Features
Size & durability
Ultra-compact case
At 2.05" × 3.74" × 1.3" and 8.1 oz, it's about the size of a deck of cards — small enough for a PFD pocket, a ditch bag, or a jacket.
IPX7 submersible
Rated to survive submersion at 3.3 feet (1 meter) for 30 minutes, as long as the cap is on the accessory jack.
Floats with the SHC-29 case
Snap it into the optional orange SHC-29 flotation case and it floats if it goes overboard — and it's easier to spot in the water.
Power & range
Full 6W output
The same 6 watts as full-size handhelds, selectable down to 2.5W or 1W for short-range calls and longer battery life.
Automatic low power on bridge channels
The radio drops to 1 watt on channels 13 and 67, where regulations limit power, with a temporary override when you need it.
5+ mile line-of-sight range
Standard Horizon rates handheld marine radios at more than 5 miles line of sight. Real-world range depends mostly on antenna height.
Channels, weather & FM
All USA, International & Canadian channels
Switch channel groups in the menu when you cross into Canadian or international waters.
Instant channel 16
A dedicated 16/S key jumps straight to the distress and hailing channel. Press and hold for your sub channel (channel 9 by default).
NOAA weather + weather alert
Get a loud alert when NOAA broadcasts a severe weather warning — even while you're on another channel, scanning, or listening to FM radio.
FM broadcast receiver
Listen to local FM radio (76–108 MHz) for music, news, and the game. Save favorite stations for quick recall.
Scanning & monitoring
Memory and priority scan
Scan only the channels you care about, or have the radio keep checking channel 16 while it scans your list.
Dual and Triple Watch
Monitor your working channel plus channel 16 (Dual Watch), or add your sub channel as well (Triple Watch).
10 preset channels
Save your go-to channels — marina, fishing buddies, bridge tenders — for one-touch access.
Display & controls
High-resolution dot matrix LCD
A big, sharp channel display for a radio this size, with adjustable backlight and contrast for full sun or night.
E2O Easy-to-Operate menu
Plain-language menus make setup simple, even if this is your first marine radio.
Programmable soft keys
Assign the functions you use most — power level, scan, Dual Watch, presets — to the on-screen soft keys.
Keypad lock
Lock the keypad so a bump in your pocket doesn't change your channel. PTT and volume still work while locked.
Battery & charging
1850 mAh lithium-polymer battery
A high-capacity built-in battery is what lets Standard Horizon fit 6 watts into a case this small.
3-hour charging, AC or 12V
The drop-in cradle fully charges a dead battery in about 3 hours from a wall outlet or your boat's 12V outlet.
Compatible Accessories for the Standard Horizon HX40
Flotation & Mounting
SHC-29 — Flotation Case
A bright orange case that makes the HX40 float and easy to spot if it goes overboard. If there's any chance your radio ends up in the water, add this.
SCH-11 — Belt Clip Hanger
A mountable hanger that holds the radio by its belt clip, so it has a home at the helm.
Speaker Microphones
SSM-14A — Submersible Speaker Microphone with Earphone Jack
Clip it to your shoulder or PFD and keep the radio protected in a pocket. Pairs with the SEP-10A earphone for private listening.
MH-73A4B — Submersible Speaker Microphone
A compact, submersible speaker mic for easy push-to-talk without unclipping the radio.
Headsets & Earpieces
SSM-64A — VOX Headset
Voice-activated headset for hands-free talking — handy when you're docking, anchoring, or handling lines.
SSM-55A — Earpiece Microphone
Keeps radio traffic in your ear when you're in a loud engine room or a busy marina.
SEP-10A — Earphone for SSM-14A
Plugs into the SSM-14A speaker mic for private listening.
Chargers & Antenna
SAD-25 — AC Adapter
Replacement wall adapter for the SBH-27 charging cradle.
CN-3 — Radio-to-Ship's-Antenna Adapter
Connects the HX40 to your boat's external VHF antenna for more range — a smart backup if your fixed-mount radio goes down.
Who Is This Radio For?
The HX40 is for boaters who want a real 6-watt marine radio that's small enough to actually carry.
1. Kayakers, Paddleboarders, and Small Craft
Big handhelds get left in the car. The HX40 fits in a PFD pocket, so it's on you when you need it. Add the SHC-29 case so it floats if you capsize.
2. Ditch Bags and Backup Radios
If your fixed-mount radio goes down, the HX40 is a full-power backup that takes up almost no room in a ditch bag or nav station.
3. Sailors and Crew on Deck
At 8.1 oz, it clips to a belt or harness without dragging. The 16/S key gets anyone on board to the distress channel in one press.
4. Recreational Boaters Who Want Something Simple
The E2O menu, big display, and preset channels make the HX40 easy to hand to family or guests who've never used a marine radio.
Important: Marine VHF radios can only be used on the water. The FCC does not allow marine VHF transmissions on land. If you need radios for a job site, warehouse, or building, see our Find My Radio tool for business radio options.
How Does the HX40 Compare to Similar Radios?
| Standard Horizon HX40 | Standard Horizon HX210 | Standard Horizon HX320 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Power | 6W | 6W | 6W |
| Weight | 8.1 oz | 9.88 oz | 10.23 oz |
| Floats | With SHC-29 case | Yes | Yes |
| Water-Activated Strobe | No | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Battery | Built-in 1850 mAh | Built-in 1850 mAh | Built-in 2100 mAh |
| Charging | Cradle (AC + 12V) | Cradle (AC + 12V) | USB-C or cradle |
| Best For | Smallest, lightest carry | Floating, affordable all-rounder | Hands-free use & easy charging |
HX40 vs. HX210
Same 6 watts, same battery capacity. The HX40 is noticeably smaller and lighter, which paddlers love. The HX210 floats on its own and has a water-activated strobe. If you go with the HX40 and there's any chance it ends up in the water, add the SHC-29 flotation case.
HX40 vs. HX320
The HX320 adds Bluetooth, USB-C charging, a strobe, and built-in flotation — but it's about 2 ounces heavier and bigger. If carrying the smallest radio matters most, go HX40. If you want hands-free and easy charging, go HX320.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the HX40 float?
Do I need a license to use the HX40?
Not for most recreational boaters in U.S. waters.
The FCC no longer requires a ship station license for vessels that aren't required to carry a radio. The Coast Guard recommends using your boat's registration number as your call sign.
You may need a license if you travel internationally or boat in Canadian waters.
Can I use the HX40 on land, like at a job site or campground?
No. Marine VHF channels are only for use on the water. The FCC prohibits transmitting on marine VHF from land, and fines can reach $10,000.
If you need radios for use on land, contact our team and we'll point you to the right business radio.
Is the HX40 really waterproof?
It's rated IPX7, meaning it can be submerged at 3.3 feet (1 meter) for 30 minutes — but only when the rubber cap is covering the MIC/SP accessory jack.
After using it in salt water, rinse it under fresh water and dry it off to keep the buttons and speaker grille in good shape.
Can I replace the battery?
The 1850 mAh lithium-polymer battery is built in and isn't designed to be swapped by the user. If it ever needs replacing, contact Standard Horizon's factory service.
To stretch each charge, drop to 1W or 2.5W for short-range calls and turn on battery save in the menu. If you store the radio for a long time, fully charge it first and recharge every six months.
How do I charge it on the boat?
The HX40 comes with a 12V DC cable that plugs into your boat's cigarette lighter outlet and powers the charging cradle. A fully dead battery charges in about 3 hours.
The cradle and AC adapter aren't waterproof, so charge in a dry spot.
What range can I expect?
Marine VHF is line of sight, so antenna height matters more than wattage. Standard Horizon puts handheld range at more than 5 miles line of sight.
Want more range? The CN-3 adapter connects the HX40 to your boat's external antenna.
Does the HX40 have DSC or GPS?
No. The HX40 is a voice-only radio without DSC distress calling or a built-in GPS. If you want a one-button distress call that sends your position, look at the Standard Horizon HX890.
Why Buy the Standard Horizon HX40 from Tech Wholesale?
- 3-year waterproof warranty — Standard Horizon's full coverage, handled through us.
- 30-day returns — Not the right fit? Send it back.
- Lifetime tech support — Real people answering your questions since 1997.