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Uniden
Uniden UM725BK 25W Fixed Mount VHF Marine Radio - Text Messaging - IPX8 - Black
Important: FCC Ship Station License may be required for installation and use on certain vessels. MMSI registration is required to use DSC emergency calling features. Check requirements at fcc.gov before deployment.
Uniden UM725BK VHF Marine Radio - Professional Features in Sleek Black
The Uniden UM725BK delivers the same professional-grade features as the white UM725, wrapped in a sleek black finish for contemporary boat aesthetics. This 25-watt fixed mount radio combines VHF text messaging, IPX8 submersible protection, and dual watch monitoring at $155.99 - matching the white model's price while complementing modern carbon fiber, black glass displays, and aggressive cockpit designs.
Perfect for center console fishing boats, performance boats, and modern sportfishers with black electronics packages, the UM725BK offers private boat-to-boat text messaging unavailable on Standard Horizon or Garmin radios in this price range. The IPX8 waterproof rating exceeds IPX4 competitors, while the black finish resists visible wear and fingerprints better than white in high-traffic helm areas.
While the UM725BK requires an external GPS for full DSC functionality (consider the UM725GBK at $176.99 for built-in GPS), it connects seamlessly to chartplotters via NMEA 0183/2000 for position sharing. The large 68mm x 38mm LCD display provides exceptional visibility, and the intuitive menu system makes operation straightforward even for first-time VHF users.
Key Features & Benefits
- VHF Text Messaging: Private boat-to-boat text communication over marine channels (Uniden to Uniden radios)
- Sleek Black Finish: Matches modern carbon fiber, black glass MFDs, and contemporary helm designs
- IPX8 Submersible Rating: Survives temporary submersion (1.5m for 30 min), exceeding IPX4 splash resistance
- 25-Watt Transmit Power: Maximum legal power for extended range communication
- Class D DSC: Digital distress calling with GPS position when external GPS connected
- Large LCD Display: 68mm x 38mm screen - largest in class for excellent readability
- Dual Watch Monitoring: Monitor Channel 16 and working channel simultaneously
- NMEA 0183/2000 Compatible: Connect to external GPS and chartplotters for position sharing
- All Marine Channels: USA, International, Canadian channels included
- 10 NOAA Weather Channels: Full weather coverage with automated alerts
- Memory Channels: Store frequently used channels for instant recall
- Public Address Function: Connect external speaker for onboard announcements
Technical Specifications
| Model Number: | UM725BK |
| Radio Type: | Fixed Mount VHF Marine Radio |
| DSC: | Class D Digital Selective Calling |
| GPS: | External (NMEA 0183/2000 compatible) |
| Channels: | USA/International/Canadian |
| Transmit Power: | 25W High / 1W Low |
| Waterproof Rating: | IPX8 (1.5m for 30 min) |
| Display Size: | 68mm x 38mm LCD |
| Text Messaging: | Yes (Uniden to Uniden) |
| Weather Channels: | All 10 NOAA Weather Channels |
| Watch Functions: | Dual Watch |
| Interface: | NMEA 0183/2000 |
| Warranty: | 2 Years |
| Color: | Black |
| Mounting: | Fixed (standard DIN cutout) |
| Power Supply: | 13.8V DC |
| Dimensions: | 6.7" x 2.4" x 6.9" |
| Weight: | 3.3 lbs |
What's Included
- Uniden UM725BK VHF Radio (Black)
- Handheld Microphone
- Mounting Bracket
- DC Power Cable
- Mounting Hardware
- Owner's Manual
- 2-Year Warranty
Ideal Applications
- Modern center console fishing boats with black electronics packages
- Performance boats and go-fast vessels with aggressive styling
- Sportfishing boats requiring text messaging for coordinating with fleet
- Boats with Garmin, Simrad, or Raymarine black glass displays
- Bass boats and freshwater vessels needing marine-grade communication
- Boats with existing GPS/chartplotter (no need for built-in GPS)
- Commercial fishing operations coordinating via text messages
Product Comparison
| Feature | UM725BK | UM725 | UM725GBK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $155.99 | $155.99 | $176.99 |
| Color | Black | White | Black |
| Built-in GPS | No | No | Yes |
| Text Messaging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof | IPX8 | IPX8 | IPX8 |
| Power Output | 25W / 1W | 25W / 1W | 25W / 1W |
| Best For | Modern black aesthetics | Traditional white finish | Black + GPS included |
Why Choose UM725BK Over UM725 White?
- Modern Styling: Black finish complements carbon fiber and contemporary boat designs
- Hides Wear: Black shows less visible wear, fingerprints, and salt deposits than white
- Electronics Matching: Coordinates with Garmin, Simrad, Raymarine black glass displays
- Aggressive Aesthetic: Perfect for performance boats and sportfishing vessels
- Same Features: Identical functionality to white model at same price
UM725BK vs UM725GBK: Do You Need Built-in GPS?
Choose UM725BK ($155.99) if:
- You already have a GPS-enabled chartplotter
- You can connect via NMEA to existing GPS
- You want to save $21 and add GPS later if needed
Choose UM725GBK ($176.99) if:
- You don't have existing GPS on your boat
- You want instant DSC position reporting without additional equipment
- You prefer an all-in-one solution with no external connections
Complete Your Installation:
- VHF Antenna: Shakespeare 5101 Classic (8') for boats up to 35', or Shakespeare 5225-XT (8') for extended range
- External GPS (if needed): Garmin GPS 19x or Standard Horizon GPS receiver for DSC position reporting
- Antenna Cable: RG-8X coaxial cable (appropriate length for your installation)
- Extension Speaker: Weatherproof external speaker for engine room or flybridge
- Mounting Flush Kit: For clean dash integration
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the UM725BK come with GPS or do I need to add it separately?
A: The UM725BK does not include built-in GPS. For DSC position reporting, you'll need to connect an external GPS via NMEA 0183/2000 (such as from your existing chartplotter) or purchase a standalone GPS receiver. If you want built-in GPS without additional connections, consider upgrading to the UM725GBK model ($176.99) which includes an integrated 66-channel GPS receiver. The $21 upgrade eliminates the need for external GPS hardware and simplifies installation.
Q: Can I send text messages to boats that don't have Uniden radios?
A: No, VHF text messaging on the UM725BK only works between Uniden radios equipped with text messaging capability (UM725, UM725BK, UM725G, UM725GBK, UM725GBT, UM725GBTBK, and similar models). This is a proprietary Uniden feature and won't work with Standard Horizon, Garmin, Icom, or other manufacturers. However, all radios can still communicate via standard voice channels - text messaging is simply an additional feature when both boats have compatible Uniden models.
Q: Is the black finish as durable as the white version?
A: Yes, the black UM725BK has identical construction and waterproofing (IPX8) as the white UM725. Both use the same internal components and build quality. In fact, many boaters prefer black because it shows less visible wear over time - scratches, fingerprints, and salt residue are less noticeable on black finishes compared to white. The black coating is UV-resistant and won't fade even with constant sun exposure. The only difference between models is the exterior color finish.
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