Are you thinking about buying a boat for some fun out on the ocean? Whether you’re an angler or a diver, maritime law states that all vessels over 65-feet have a VHF marine radio on board for emergency communications. Even if you’re buying a boat under that threshold, like a 22-foot bowrider or bay boat, a VHF marine radio is a critical piece of equipment to have on your console.
What will you do if you experience an engine failure while out on deep water? A marine radio prevents stranding at sea, and it’s also useful if you or any of your party experience a life-threatening injury on the water. A VHF marine radio helps you send a distress signal to the Coast Guard, getting you help ASAP.
This post reviews the best VHF marine radio models. We’ll walk you through our top choices for this equipment and make our suggestions on the best models for your ocean-going adventures.
Contents
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall VHF Marine Radio: Cobra MR HH350
- Best Premium VHF Marine Radio: Standard Horizon HX890
- Best Budget VHF Marine Radio: Uniden Atlantis 155
VHF Marine Radio Reviews
This post offers you our choices for the best VHF marine radios. Since most readers will likely have a boat under 65-feet, these models are the ideal choice. We’ve included handheld and mounted versions to suit your needs.
Best Overall VHF Marine Radio – Cobra MR HH350
If you’re looking for the best overall VHF marine radio, we recommend the Cobra MR HH350. This model has everything you need to stay in contact with the shore and the Coast Guard. This model is suitable for use in US and Canadian waters on both east and west coasts, and it works in international waters.
You get options for use at one, three, or six watts for short and long-distance communications. If you’re out at sea in deep waters on a fishing trip, this model offers you clear communications at any range. This model includes a “Tri-Watch” operation catering to three simultaneous channels, ensuring you get the best chance of reaching rescue teams.
- Bluetooth - Keep your phone safe and dry by making calls directly from your radio with added Bluetooth capabilities. Burp feature vibrates water out of the speaker and the noise canceling microphone block background noise for clear communication.
- Clear Communication – Burp Feature vibrates the water out of the speaker grill and improves speaker performance, while the noise cancelling microphone blocks background noise for clearer conversations.
- Replay Missed Calls – The rewind-say-again feature automatically records the last 20 seconds of incoming transmissions, optimal in noisy conditions to make sure you never miss important information from you boat.
- Maximum Coverage – Allows operation of channels in the US, Canada, and internationally at 1, 3, or 6 watts with for short and long range communication, and access to NOAA weather channels, and instant Channel 16 access for emergencies.
- Everything You Need – This Cobra Handheld Marine Radio comes ready to use with the included drop-in battery charger, AC charger, 12V DC charger, LiON battery pack, antenna, owner’s manual, spring loaded belt clip, and wrist strap.
The durable, drop-proof housing features rubberized housing with an ergonomic design for easy grip in rough water conditions. The large buttons and knobs are easy to use, even with gloves, and you get a backlit screen with a powerful antenna. The radio also provides NOAA weather updates from ten channels.
This model is IPX7 water-resistant, and it floats on the water. The “Burp” feature clears the water from the speaker grill for clear communications. The noise-canceling functionality of the radio enhances clear communications, and you get a drop-in battery charger, AC charger, DC charger, Lithium-ion battery pack, robust antenna, spring-loaded belt clip, and owner’s manual included with your kit.
It can also give you NOAA weather updates from 10 channels.
What We Liked
- Floating design with IPX7 waterproofing.
- Ergonomic case.
- Easy to use with large buttons.
- Backlit display.
- Noise-canceling functionality.
- Tri-Watch multi-channel listening.
- Memory scan.
- NOAA weather updates.
Best Premium Handheld VHF Marine Radio – Standard Horizon HX890
If you’re looking for the best premium VHF marine radio available, we recommend the Standard Horizon HX890. This model comes with a 1/2/6-watt power option for line-of-sight and over-the-horizon communications offering the longest range to reach the Coast Guard from deep international waters.
This model comes with an IPX8 waterproof rating and is submersible, with a floating chassis design. The rounded casing provides an ergonomic fit in your hand, with noise-canceling functionality for clear comms at sea.
You get a built-in integrated WAAS GPS receiver featuring 66-channels and an 11-hour operating time from the 1,800-mAh lithium-ion battery. The easy-to-navigate menu appears on the large backlit screen, with a full-dot matrix display and day and night modes.
The HX890 features selectable display mode and waypoint and route navigation with DSC group position calling functionality. We like the “man-overboard” feature and emergency strobe built into the device. You get dual and triple-watch functionality for monitoring different channels and NOAA weather alerts with an FM broadcaster and micro-USB for uploading and programming data from your PC.
This model is expensive, but if you’re looking for the best handheld VHF marine radio, you can’t beat this piece of tech.
What We Liked
- Full-features and DSC and GPS equipped.
- 66-channels with NOAA weather alerts.
- Excellent 11-hour battery life.
- An ergonomic waterproof, floating case.
- Noise-canceling mic.
- Dual and Tri-Watch features.
- A fantastic range for international waters.
- Man-overboard feature with emergency strobe.
Best Budget VHF Marine Radio – Uniden Atlantis 155
For those boat owners looking for the most affordable VHF marine radio, we recommend the Uniden Atlantis 155. This model features a floating design and IPX8/ JIS8 rating for full waterproofing. This model has the largest LCD screen in its class, with a white backlit daytime display and a red nighttime backlit display.
You get an ergonomic low-profile casing design fitting snugly in your hand and clear speakers making for easy communications. The speaker has a burp function to clear water from the speaker grill and full functionality in Canadian, US, and international waters. You get adjustable power from one to three watts and access to all NOAA weather channels to keep an eye on weather conditions at sea.
- The Atlantis 155’s submersible, Floating Handheld design allows you to stay secure and connected while having fun on the water.
- With the Largest LCD screen in its class 25mm (h) x 40mm (w), and Paper White Backlight display for Day Time, and Red Backlight display for Night Time, it’s the radio you won’t leave shore without.
- When every inch of space count, you still want the important features that will keep you safe at sea. The Atlantis 155 doesn’t sacrifice big features to keep its profile small.
- It Floats, meets the toughest Waterproof standards IPX8 / JIS8, and even clears its speaker of water after being submerged. And with its compact size it’s never far away when you need to stay in touch the most.
- Receives all Marine Radio Channels, including all USA, Canada, and International Marine VHF channels (includes the new 4-digit channels and Canadian “B” channels) and receives all NOAA Weather Channels and Alerts
This model comes with a belt clip and hand strap for easy access and 4 x AAA-rechargeable batteries giving you a three-hour service life. There’s also a DC adapter included for when the batteries run flat. The casing and antenna are drop-proof, with an ergonomic casing design that’s easy to hold onto and operate.
The only drawback with this model is that it doesn’t come with DSC functionality and the smaller buttons that might make it challenging to operate the device using gloves.
What We Liked
- Largest in-class LCD.
- IPX8 waterproofing.
- Multi-mode screen backlighting.
- Wrist strap and belt clip included.
- One to three wat adjustable power range.
- Affordable.
Uniden MHS335BT
If you’re looking for an affordable fixed-mount design, we recommend the Uniden MHS335BT. This 25-watt VHF radio has 25-watts of power, allowing for exceptionally long-range communications. You get functionality for use on trips in all US, Canadian, and international waters and Triple-Watch functionality with memory channel scan and a Hi/Lo power switch to save battery life.
- Uniden's Marine Radios protect you from what lies ahead, as well as getting you out of dicey waters, by informing you the moment a storm starts brewing and transmitting your location should you need help.
- With triple watch features, DSC capabilities, a range of international marine channels and S. A. M. E Weather Alert—the UM385BK brings everything you’ll need on the water into one compact design.
- The UM385BK rugged handheld mic allows you to transmit easily from the wheel while keeping your focus on the waters ahead.
- Waterproof Radio – Complies with IPX4 waterproof standards, which means the radio is resistant to damage from rain or splashing water.
- DSC (Digital Selective Calling) - Includes Distress Button, Position Send and Request. Gives you the ability to press one button to call for help during an emergency. Full Class D DSC capability. High performance transceiver ensures clear communication and
This radio features S.A.M.E weather alerts that link with NOAA for severe weather alerts and monitoring. You can assign names to your channels for easy referencing and DSC digital selective calling. There’s a distress button, position send, and request allowing for a one-button operation for emergency calls.
You get a high-power antenna and an IPX4 JIS4 waterproof casing. There’s a backlit display with easy-to-use dial knobs and big buttons for handling with gloves. The rugged mic is drop-proof, with an ergonomic case and mic hanger. This model is the ideal choice for larger center console models.
What We Liked
- Triple watch monitoring.
- NOAA weather reports.
- Excellent battery life.
- Mounted design.
- DSC and GPS equipped.
- Big buttons and dials with easy to read screen.
- Backlit screen.
- Antennae included.
Standard Horizon GX1400 Eclipse
Standard Horizon is one of the most trusted names in marine radio equipment. This GX1400 Eclipse model is a fantastic fixed-mount design, with a swivel mount for directional positioning and easy viewing of the large, backlit dot-matrix screen with easy-to-read digits.
The textured dials and large buttons allow for easy use of the device when wearing gloves, and you get DSC calling with auto-channel change selection and GPS positioning. The radio mic comes with volume control and function buttons embedded into the ergonomic casing, and you get IPX8 waterproofing.
- Affordable Ultra Compact Class D Fixed Mount VHF Radio. Meets ITU-R M493-13 Class D DSC (Digital Selective Calling). Replaces older Eclipse+ and Eclipse DSC Models
- Radio controls on the Microphone. E2O Easy to Operate Icon/Menu System. Oversized Full dot matrix display (31 mm x 55 mm). Built in Separate Receiver for CH70 (Receiving DSC Calls)
- DSC test call and Auto DSC channel change selection. GPS position and Time Shown on a Full-dot Matrix Display when Connected to a GPS Receiver. NMEA In and Output Connections to a Compatible GPS Chart Plotter
- Programmable soft keys. Automatically poll the GPS position of up to 4 ships using DSC. Submersible IPX8 waterproof rating (1.5M or 4.92 feet for 30 minutes)
- All USA/International and Canadian Marine Channels. Preset key used to recall up to 10 favorite channels. NOAA weather channel selection with Weather Alert. Programmable Scan, Priority Scan, and Dual Watch
The Eclipse comes with NMEA input and output connections to your compatible GPS plotter for charts. You get excellent sound quality with adjustable volume control and programmable soft keys for dedicated channel selection.
You get 10-channel functionality and connection to all NOAA weather channels to monitor weather conditions. Use the DSC to monitor up to four ship positions at any time. This radio has adjustable strength between one to 25-watts of power, making it suitable for use in Canadian, US, and international waters, with a powerful antenna included in your package.
What We Liked
- User-friendly operation with programmable channels and one-button touch.
- Excellent sound quality.
- IPX8 waterproofing.
- Backlit screen with easy-to-read information.
- 1 to 12-watt power adjustment.
- DSC and GPS capability.
- Easy-to-read screen
- Extremely waterproof
Standard Horizon HX210
If you’re looking for a compact, portable VHF marine radio with plenty of power, we suggest the Standard Horizon HX210. You get the power settings at 1, 2.5, and 6-watts and an IPX7 waterproof casing that floats. The ergonomic styling fits well in your hand, and there’s a belt clip included for easy carry around the vessel.
This model is suitable for use in international, US, and Canadian waters, monitoring all ten NOAA channels for accurate weather reporting in your area. The radio can operate on WX and FM radio bands from 76MHz to 108MHz, with a speaker mic jack for compatibility with a handheld receiver.
- Compact Case Design. Water Activated Emergency Strobe light. Oversized full dot matrix display. E20 Easy to Operate Menu System
- 3-year Waterproof Warranty. Floating / Submersible IPX7 Waterproof rating (3.3 feet or 1 meter for 30 minutes). Built in FM Broadcast band receive
- All USA, International and Canadian channels. Selectable 6W / 2.5W / 1W output power. Receive WX and FM radio bands 76MHz to 108MHz
- High resolution dot matrix LCD display. Programmable function keys. Speaker mic Jack.
- High capacity 1850 mAh Li-Ion battery. 3 hour desktop rapid charger. 12VDC and 110VAC charging cables and charging cradle included.
The high-resolution LCD features backlighting with large, legible dot-matrix numbers. The easy-to-operate system includes large buttons, and there’s a burp feature to clear the speaker grill after submersion.
You get a 3-hour rapid charger and 1,850-mAh lithium-ion battery included with your purchase, as well as 12VDC and 110VAC charging cables and charging cradle included. The rounded ergonomic design fits well into your palm, with a drop-proof case and large antenna.
The compact design of this model is lightweight and very portable, with programmable function keys and the owner’s manual included with your purchase.
What We Liked
- IPX7 waterproof rating.
- Selectable power output 1/ 2.5/ and 6-watts.
- NOAA channel monitoring.
- It receives WX and FM radio bands 76MHz to 108MHz.
- Speaker mic jack.
Icom M330
If you’re looking for a premium fixed mount VHF marine radio, we recommend going with the Icom M330. This model comes with channel scanning and programmable channel memory and monitoring of all ten NOAA channels for weather alerts. You get a built-in Class D DSC featuring a CH70 dedicated receiver for easy positioning and GPS monitoring.
The large backlit display makes monitoring the LCD easy from a distance, and there’s an NMEA interface for external GPS/NAV connection. The tag screen allows for programmable channels, and tag scanning is available with this model. You get an adjustable power range from 1-watt to 25-watts and compatibility for use in international, US, and Canadian waters.
- AquaQuake draining function
- Built-in Class D DSC with a CH70 dedicated receiver
- Common NMEA interface for external GPS/NAV connection
- Tag scan and favorite channel functions
- Dual/tri-watch function for monitoring CH16 and/or call channel
The ergonomic receiver fits snugly in your hand, with volume and function buttons integrated into the receiver for convenient use. This model also includes a flush-mounting kit for easy setup in the console and an owner’s manual included. This model features IPX7 waterproof rating for protection against spray and rain. The AquaQuake draining function keeps the receiver dry and ready for use.
The only drawback of this model is that it comes with an expensive price tag. However, if you’re looking for high-quality equipment you can trust out on the water, this model is a great choice.
What We Liked
- Class D DSC functionality.
- Adjustable power range up to 25-watts.
- Backlit display.
- Hand receiver with volume and function buttons.
- IPX7 waterproof rating.
- AquaQuake draining function.
Other Best Selling Options
- Uniden's Marine Radios protect you from what lies ahead, as well as getting you out of dicey waters, by informing you the moment a storm starts brewing and transmitting your location should you need help.
- With triple watch features, DSC capabilities, a range of international marine channels and S. A. M. E Weather Alert—the UM385 brings everything you’ll need on the water into one compact design.
- The UM385 rugged handheld mic allows you to transmit easily from the wheel while keeping your focus on the waters ahead.
- Waterproof Radio – Complies with IPX4 waterproof standards, which means the radio is resistant to damage from rain or splashing water.
- DSC (Digital Selective Calling) - Includes Distress Button, Position Send and Request. Gives you the ability to press one button to call for help during an emergency. Full Class D DSC capability. High performance transceiver ensures clear communication and
- Noise-Cancelling Microphone - When embarking on a marine adventure, you need a fixed-mount marine radio for communication and safety. Our noise-cancelling microphone blocks background noise for crystal clear conversations.
- 6 Watt VHF – This radio provides the ability to customize your conversations when there are days you spend on the water further from shore. Select between 1, 3 and 6 watts for short- and long-range communication.
- Backlit plus Floats - This radio is backlit and has an easy-to-read orange display for higher visibility in all conditions. The orange core floating design also makes it easier to retrieve your radio if dropped overboard.
- USA, Canada & International Channels – Maximum coverage wherever you go. This VHF marine radio allows operation on any of the three different channel maps established for these areas.
- NOAA Weather & Emergency Radio - Be prepared and never surprised when it comes to changes on the water. Get 24-hour updates on threatening weather conditions, emergencies, and incoming hazards with built-in NOAA Weather radio channel.
- MAXIMUM COVERAGE – This VHF marine radio allows operation of channels in the US, Canada, and internationally at 1 or 25 watts with dual output power for short and long range communication.
- STAY INFORMED – Be the first to know of incoming hazards or changing weather conditions with instant access to 10 NOAA weather channels, 24 hours a day. Weather alerts with an audible tone and visual alarm notify you of threatening weather nearby.
- SAFETY FIRST – Scan channels to find conversations in progress and have instant access to Channel 16 and Channel 9 for emergency situations. Use the Dual Watch feature to monitor two channels at once (Channel 16 and one user selected channel).
- VISUAL DISPLAY – Know the strength of an incoming signal with the Signal Strength Meter shown on the large illuminated LCD display. Navigate the various features of this radio easily with the illuminated function keys.
- DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING – Send a distress signal at the touch of a button or exchange position information with other boats, stations, or coast guard. When it comes to safety on the water and in the boat, Cobra has your back.
VHF Marine Radio Buyer’s Guide
After reading through our best VHF marine radio models, you’re probably wondering which one is the right choice for your boat. This buyer’s guide gives you everything you need to know about selecting the right model for your vessel.
Why do I need a Marine Radio?
A VHF marine radio gives you the capability of contacting the Coast Guard and other vessels nearby when you are in an emergency out on the water. Going out to sea without a VHF marine radio is haphazard, and you could put your life and your passengers at severe risk. It’s kind of like driving without a seatbelt – you can do it, but you’ll regret it if you’re in a severe accident.
The Coast Guard and other vessels out on the water may also need to contact you for several reasons, from identifying you to giving you critical information on the weather or other hazards on the water. You might be making too big of a wake as you pull into the marina, and they’ll hail you to slow down.
Offshore communications equipment like sat phones and cellphones might not have the range to offer effective communications, and a VHF marine radio provides you an easy way to communicate with locks, docks, marinas, harbors, and bridges. Law enforcement and Coast Guard will need to communicate and identify you when you’re in international waters.
A VHF marine radio is also useful for monitoring local weather conditions, giving you alerts when stormy weather approaches, preventing you from getting lost at sea in bad conditions.
Types of VHF Marine Radios
There are two options for VHF marine radios; fixed mount systems and handheld units. Both offer you the same function of communications out on the water, but there is a significant difference between the two types.
Handheld VHF Marine Radios
The handheld model is ideal for smaller watercraft and recreational users. These radios have the appearance of a walkie-talkie, and they are very portable. You get belt clips or wrist straps to secure the radio to your person and prevent it from falling overboard if you hit rough water conditions.
However, the disadvantage of handheld VHF marine radios is their range. Most of these models come with wattage outputs of between one to six watts, limiting the coverage you can get from the system.
Fixed Mount VHF Marine Radios
A fixed mount VHF marine radio mounts to the console of your boat. Typically, these models are more powerful, with outputs of up to 25-watts.
You can use them to communicate with other vessels and the Coast Guard when you’re sailing in deep international waters. However, the drawback to these models is that they are not portable.
HF/SSB Long Range VHF Marine Radios
If you’re planning on taking your vessel out to international waters for cruising or deep-sea fishing, you’re going to need an HF/SSB long-range VHF marine radio. These radios issue a high-power signal that makes it easy to broadcast across long distances.
While they are essential for reaching another vessel on the high seas, they also require a license for operation, and that’s why we didn’t include any of these models in this review.
How Do I Use a VHF Marine Radio?
VHF marine radios operate on international standards, with distinct rules on handling communications using these devices. Channel 16 on your VHF marine radio is only for use in emergencies. This channel gives you direct contact with the coast guard or law enforcement, allowing you to send a distress signal.
However, this channel is not suitable for recreational communications, and you could get in trouble for using it if you don’t have an emergency. However, when things go wrong at sea, Channel 16 acts as a lifeline for rescue operations, and it’s critical that you don’t abuse the privilege.
International marine regulations require all boats and vessels to maintain a constant state of “radio watchkeeping,” keeping channel 16 open at all times for emergency communications. If you end up blocking channel 16 with recreational communications, you could be putting other people’s lives at risk that need the channel for emergencies.
Check the Marine Mobile Service Identity Number (MMSI)
Every sea-going vessel has a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number. This nine-digit number is unique to your boat and assigned to the DSC system on your VHF marine radio.
The MMSI number also has information about your vessel and your profile, allowing the Coast Guard to identify your boat and hail you on channel 16.
How Do I Send a Distress Signal with a VHF Marine Radio?
If you’re out on the water and need to send a distress signal, you’ll use your VHF marine radio. Typically, the radio issues a single-frequency distress signal across a single band. The radio system will issue this signal every four minutes until the relevant authority or Coast Guard acknowledges the signal.
The radio will issue this distress signal five times before it switches the communications to a multi-frequency configuration. The multi-frequency distress signal goes out on all high and medium frequencies to give you the best chance of receiving any response for nearby vessels or the Coast Guard.
It’s important to note that you will not be able to receive any other communications when activating the distress signal. Essentially, it acts as a beacon., allowing the Coast Guard or nearly vessels to pinpoint your location on the water.
VHF marine radios issue distress signals in specific designation and general or non-designated transmissions. The designated distress signal sends out information about one of ten pre-determined groups allowing recipients to identify the signal source at sea.
A designated distress signal is for specific issues onboard the vessel. For example, you have defined distress signals for violent incursions, man overboard, piracy, disabled vessel, sinking, listing, explosion or fire, collision, flooding, grounding, and abandoning ship.
Any vessel receiving a distress signal must, by law, relay that signal to the Coast Guard per their communication capabilities. After the coast station receives the distress signal, it acknowledges the signal and notifies the Coast Guard for rescue.
The sending unit then ceases repeating the signal, tuning in on the designated communication channel to send the distress signal.
Never Make False Mayday Calls
As mentioned, channel 16 is for emergencies only. Using the channel to relay a false distress signal is a crime, and you could face jail time of up to 6-years and a fine ranging from $5,000 to $250,000, depending on the nature of the transgression.
On top of the fine and potential jail time, you will also have to reimburse the Coast Guard for the use of their resources. It’s critical that you keep channel 16 clear and never use it to send a false distress or mayday signal.
Key Features of VHF Marine Radios
When you’re reviewing potential models for your VHF marine radio, you’ll need to examine the features and functions of the radio to see if they match your requirements. Here is what you need to look for in a prospective VHF marine radio model.
Battery Service Life
The battery powers the device, and if it goes dead, you’re going to be in big trouble if you encounter a problem on the water. Most handheld VHF marine radios come with lithium-ion rechargeable batteries offering you a service life of anything from three to eleven hours, depending on the battery capacity.
Look for models that offer fast recharging and charging docks included with your purchase. If you’re purchasing a fixed mount model, most of these units connect to the boast battery, meaning you don’t have to worry about running out of power for the radio.
Antennas
All VHF marine radios come with antennas. The handheld models will have the antenna mounted onto the unit. The larger the antenna, the more distance the signal will carry, making it useful for long-range boating trips.
The fixed mount models come with antennas that mount to the roof of the driver cockpit, allowing for a much better range than handheld models. Fixed mounting VHF marine radios require using a large diameter coax cable to connect the radio to the antenna.
Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
DSC is a must-have feature in your VHF marine radio if you intend on going offshore into deep waters. This feature allows you to communicate privately and send coordinates to any vessel you communicate without on the open water.
The DSC is also a critical component of the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS). This feature allows you to send a distress signal directly to the Coast Guard by pushing a single button. The system sends your GPS coordinates over the communication, allowing the Coast Guard to find your vessel fast.
What are the other Features to Consider when Purchasing a VHF Marine Radio?
When purchasing your VHF radio, you’ll notice that models come with a slew of features. Some of them offer you more functionality than others, but you’ll need to choose the model that suits your boating requirements.
Some of the additional features found on the high-end VHF marine radios include the following.
Look for a built-in GPS for accurate reporting of your position and easier navigation of the boat at sea. The GPS will integrate with the DSC system to provide accurate information to the Coast Guard in the event of an emergency.
The higher-end models also come with a range of accessories, adding more functionality to the system. Drop-in charging bases keep the battery topped up, and an antenna adapter integrates handheld radios into a fixed antenna to improve the radio signal range.
Look for models offering you floating functionality, so they don’t sink if they fall overboard. It’s crucial to choose a radio offering you a minimum of IPX7 waterproofing for protection against drops in the water, spray, and rain.
VHF Marine Radio FAQs
Q: Do I need a fixed or handheld VHF Marine Radio?
A: Yes, it’s critical to have communications out on open water. If something goes wrong with your engine, or you experience an accident that puts people’s lives at risk, you could be liable if that person dies. A VHF radio keeps you in contact with the Coast Guard, and it helps you monitor the weather at sea.
Q: How do you use a VHF marine radio?
A: You’ll set the power of your radio to suit your ocean-going conditions. Typically, a 6-watt power is all you need to communicate with the coast guard in international waters. The larger 25-watt fixed-mount models are ideal for trawlers and cruisers that spend time in deep water. Ensure that you understand how to use the radio by reading the owner’s manual and checking its functionality before you set sail.
Q: What is the range of a VHF marine radio?
A: The VHF marine radio relies on the power output to determine its range. Most handheld models come with adjustable power settings of up to three or six watts. That power setting is all you need for offshore use. The larger fixed models come with more power for spending days at sea in deep water. The average range for most 6-watt models is around ten to 20 nautical miles from shore. The larger, more powerful models have ranges up to 400-miles.
Q: What are the channels available on a VHF marine radio?
A: Typically, you’ll use channel 9 for hailing pleasure boats and other smaller watercraft out angling or diving on the water. Channel 16 is for emergency use only, so don’t use it if you don’t need emergency assistance from the Coast Guard, as you could face a fine for the transgression. Channels 68, 69, 71, 72, and 78A are suitable for recreational boating use.
The Best VHF Marine Radio – The Verdict
Anglers, divers, and water sports enthusiasts need a VHF marine radio on their watercraft to stay safe out on the open ocean. By now, you probably have a model in mind for your boat. However, if you’re on the fence about choosing the right model for your boat, why not go with one of our top choices?
- Best Overall VHF Marine Radio – Cobra MRF45-D
- Best Premium VHF Marine Radio – Standard Horizon HX890
- Best Budget VHF Marine Radio – Uniden MHS335BT
Either one of these three handheld models is ideal for use in smaller boats under 65-feet in length. You get a compact, ergonomically designed unit with waterproofing and full functionality. Choose the radio that suits your needs and your budget.
