the only water proof HT I know of is the yaesu VX8..it can actually be 
completely submerged down to a meter or two, for something like half an hour 
while turned on and still operate.
If you've got some sighted assistance to get the VX8 up and running, and the 
RT systems software to program it, you'll probably find it perfectly 
usable...though no where near as accessible from a blind users perspective 
as the th F6A.
But, for a radio that is safe around water, you can't beat it.
Hang a buoyant plastic ball off the wrist strap, and you could probably drop 
it in the lake and never worry.
Nothing will make the TH F6A water proof, and it would be difficult to 
insure water resistance as well...a plastic baggy is ok, but you would 
constantly worry about the thing popping open at the wrong moment...

I agree about the TM V71 dual band mobile...best availible right now from an 
accessibility point of view.

73
Colin, V A6BS
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chris Harrington" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 7:11 AM
Subject: Hand held questions?


> Hi everyone,
> I just got my technician ticket, and I'm wanting to upgrade my ham
> gear already... I'm using the kenwood THF6A right now, and I love it.
> I'm wanting to get a waterproof handheld, because my family does a lot
> of boating and things like that. Does anyone have any suggestions?
> Also, I was wanting to also update to a mobile setup as well. What is
> good as far as accessability?
> Thanks,
> Chris Harrington, KD8RPH