There are a small number of things more pleasurable and relaxing than having a boat and taking it out for a ride. Most boat owners go on about how calming being out on the water can be and how it lowers their stress levels after a long day’s work. You need a best marine radio for your tension free fishing ride.
What most of these individuals do not understand is that all this can be taken a step further. Nearly all boats come with simple sound systems but just like when renovating the stereo system in a car, the best marine radio and speakers can be purchased at a fair price.
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Is it really worth it to renovate the marine stereo system in your boat? For most folks, the answer to that question is a definite yes, particularly if you use your boat frequently for cruising and recreational boating.
You most certainly would want to have the best marine radio for the money in a larger boat that you sometimes entertain boarders on too. So there are a lot of good reasons as to why you would want to get the best marine VHF radio.
Best Marine Radio Comparison
| Name | Brand | Weight | Dimension | View on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cobra MRHH125 VHF Radio | Cobra | 2 pounds | 1.1 x 2 x 3.8 inches | Check Price Read Review |
| Standard Horizon GX1700W VHF Marine Radio | Standard | 5 pounds | 9 x 4 x 9 inches | Check Price Read Review |
| Icom M36 01 6W Marine Radio | Icom | 1.75 pounds | 9 x 3 x 8 inches | Check Price Read Review |
| Uniden UM380 VHF Marine Radio | Uniden | 3.97 pounds | 11 x 9 x 4 inches | Check Price Read Review |
| Uniden MHS75 Marine Radio | Uniden | 0.95 pound | 5.9 x 3.2 x 6.1 inches | Check Price Read Review |
| Standard Horizon HX870 Marine Radio | Standard | 2 pounds | 9.5 x 3.5 x 7.5 inches | Check Price Read Review |
| Fusion MS-RA205 Marine Radio | Deeper | 2.7 pounds | 9.2 x 7 x 3.8 inches | Check Price Read Review |
Best Marine Radio Step By Step Buying Guide
Just like no pair of jeans fits two individuals the same way, the same goes for marine audio systems. What works great for you may be a terrible fit for someone else. This is the reason why you just can’t buy the first marine VHF radio system you come across when shopping online or in the store.
You need to get the best marine VHF radio system that is custom made for your requirements and the way your boat is set up. That being said, here are some of the main factors that ought to consider when you’re shopping for the best marine radio and speakers:
Price Range
Just a small number of us can shop for goods without price being a factor. Luckily the best marine radio and speakers can be obtained in a variety of price ranges. This makes it fitting for every shopper to be able to find something that they can afford.
An important thing to do before going shopping for the best marine VHF radio is to set a budget for yourself. This budget should include what you’re willing and able to invest.
What Your Boat is Used for
Another crucial criterion that you ought to consider as far as what best marine VHF radio you’ll buy is the type of use your boat usually gets. If you’re a fisher, you need the best portable marine radio. You do need the best marine band in a boat that is used just for entertainment purposes though.
How Frequently You Use Your Boat
How often you use your boat is a critical decision in the best marine VHF radio buying process too. It would be difficult to rationalize investing in a $300 plus radio system in a boat that you only get to use once in a blue moon.
On the flip side, it is very easy justifying investing that much money in the best marine VHF radio system on a boat that is used more than a few times a week.
Try matching the price of the best marine radio you’ll buy with the amount of use you’ll get out of it.
Blue Tooth Capability
Gone are the days of inserting CDs into stereo players. In the modern age, music is listened to by downloading that music on a smart device like a tablet. That means any marine radio you buy really must have Bluetooth capability.
Go for the best marine radio with Bluetooth to handle the playback of the various music storage devices that you own.
Controls
Let’s face it; nobody wants to read a thick manual to learn everything about their new best marine handheld VHF radio. Go for one that the controls are laid out in such a way that it makes it easy to operate.
Durability/Warranty
You need the best marine radio VHF unit that is built as watertight as possible and can withstand the harsh elements like moisture and other corrosive substances.
Reviews on the 7 Best Marine VHF Radios in 2018
#1. Cobra MRHH125 VHF Radio
When on the hunt for the best VHF marine radio, look no further than the Cobra 3 Watt Waterproof VHF Radio. It comes with a rugged compact design and is perfect for an outdoor marine excursion or as a backup in larger marine vessels.
The device is equipped with all marine radio stations in the United States, Canada and other countries in the world. Additionally, it has a total of 10 NOAA stations and NOAA weather alert. You automatically get any marine news and weather data any time it develops.
It is powered using long lasting rechargeable NiMH batteries. Also, the device can be powered using 5 AAA alkaline batteries during emergencies.
The device has a large LED lit display that is easy to read. The keypad is also LED lit. You can use the device even at very low illumination levels. The keypad turns off automatically when not in use to save on power.
The marine radio is waterproof up to JIS4 standards. You can throw the device overboard and retrieve it intact ready for use. It is the best portable marine radio one can tag along during a marine recreational outing.
- Receives all marine radio stations in the USA, Canada and other countries in the world
- Waterproof in conformity to JIS4 standards
- Long lasting battery with optional backup AAA alkaline batteries.
- Large LED display and LED lit keypad
- The device does not have the latest distress alert systems
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#2. Standard Horizon GX1700W GPS VHF Marine Radio
The Standard Explorer combines the functions of a marine radio and a navigation device in a single gadget. This is the best portable marine radio that will help you navigate through unknown waters and still give you all the services that you would expect from a marine radio.
It comes with an internally built 12 channel GPS. You can save up to 100 previously used waypoints. You can then use the device to navigate through one of the waypoints if you desire to return to previously explored waters.
Unlike other ordinary marine radios, with the device, you are not limited to send and receive operations. You can send out your position to colleagues, send out distress calls, and share waypoints all from a single device.
It receives a total of 12 NOAA weather alert channels. You are always in the know, and you can plan in advance depending on forecasted weather conditions.
The device is waterproof. If by accident you throw it overboard, you can retrieve it intact and ready for work.
It has a large 3-inch display screen. The control buttons are strategically placed next to the screen for easy manipulation.
- Fitted with a noise canceling microphone
- Internally built 12 channel GPS
- Connects automatically with up to 4 vessels at sea
- Waterproof
- The screen is not easy to read under glaring sunlight
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#3. Icom M36 01 6w Marine Radio
The Icom floating handheld marine radio is fitted with a voice boost to ensure that the messages you send and receive are clear. The device cancels out ambient noise from the main speaker and the sea to deliver clear and precise messages.
The device is waterproof to IPX7 standards. This means that even if the device is thrown overboard, it will not get damaged. It simply floats on the surface of the water, and if you can retrieve it, it will work perfectly.
It has integrated NOAA weather and weather alert technology. The technology enables you to determine the weather conditions that are likely to be present at sea in advance. This is the best handheld marine radio that you can get to ensure that your marine excursion is hustle free and enjoyable.
Although the device produces high-quality sound at all times, its internal battery is very long lasting. You can use the marine radio for 8 hours straight without recharging the device.
It has large operating buttons that are easy to use. The design of the appliance makes it easy to hold and carry. For a device that floats on water, it is surprisingly very compact.
- Waterproof and floats on water
- Long lasting battery
- Voice boost for use in noisy environments
- For all its efficiency, the device is not designed with aesthetics in mind
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#4. Uniden UM380 Marine Radio
The Uniden VHF marine radio is packed with all the features that one will require when heading out on a marine excursion. The device receives virtually all the marine radio stations in the United States, Canada and from other countries around the globe.
With the device’s internally built DSC position send and receive technology, you can keep in touch with those around you. The device enables you to keep track of your companions and they, in turn, can keep track of your location.
The device has an integrated NOAA emergency weather alert system enabling you to determine the weather in advance. The marine radio’s rugged construction makes it versatile enough to endure different weather and environmental conditions.
All this data is displayed on the device’s full dot matrix display. You can easily retrieve channel names, frequencies, GPS data and DSC features on the go. With fixed mounting structures, the device is the best portable marine radio for a fishing expedition.
The device has a rubber grip microphone complimented by NMEA input and output system making the device the best handheld marine radio that you can take out into the sea. With 0.27uV sensitivity and 70 dB rejection, you can be sure that you will not miss a signal.
- All USA, Canadian and international marine radio channels
- Full DSC capability plus position send and receive
- Fixed mount and rubber grip microphone
- The plastic mic clip may break when sliding on a metal rod
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#5. Uniden MHS75 Marine Radio
The marine radio is designed to withstand whatever sea weather has to offer and still offer premium service. The device is rated JIS8 waterproof level. It can be immersed in water and still perform as desired.
It is equipped with all marine channels across the United States, Canada, and other international countries. You can keep follow all the latest marine news on the go. The marine radio automatically checks channel 9 and 16 every 2 seconds so that you do not miss anything.
The device has an integrated memory scan chip that automatically scans for signals. The device will go through all frequencies available until it acquires a transmission. With a rechargeable internal battery that can last for 12 hours, you remain in the know all day.
The marine radio enables you to switch from 1 to 2.5 to 5 watts depending on the range you want to scan. Using 1 watt saves your battery while at 5 watts it consumes more energy but has a wider range.
It has a large LED display and a LED lit keyboard making it usable even at night. When going out to sea, this is the best handheld marine radio that you can hope to tag along.
- All marine radio stations in the USA, Canada, and other countries
- Large LED display and a LED lit keypad
- Long lasting internal battery
- The device tends to get stuck on one frequency for long without scanning
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#6. Standard Horizon HX870 Marine Radio
The Standard Horizon Floating Marine Radio combines the efficiency of an outstanding marine radio with a functional navigation device to give you the best portable marine radio possible.
The handset comes with an internally built 66-channel WAAS GPS receiver. With the device in hand, you can navigate through unknown waters effortlessly.
The device meets ITU-R M493-13 Class D digital selective calling (DSC). It has a separate receiver for channel 70 which is exclusively meant for DSC calls. The device ensures that you have an exclusive channel that you can use during emergencies without interruption from other users.
The microphone is fitted with noise canceling ability for both outgoing and incoming calls. You continually send and receive powerful and clear messages. Noises from the sea and engines will not deter your ability to communicate effectively.
Not only is the marine radio waterproof, but it also floats on water. If by accident you happen to drop the device in water, it will simply float. You can then proceed to retrieve it ready for use.
It has a 2.3 inches display screen which is easy to read. The operating buttons are strategically positioned near the screen for easy manipulation.
- Waterproof and floats on water
- Internally built GPS
- Microphone fitted with noise canceling ability
- Large, easy to read display
- The white LED light is not user-friendly at night
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#7. Fusion MS-RA205 Marine Stereo
The Fusion Handheld Marine stereo combines the brilliance of a fully-fledged marine radio with an entertainment center. You will get all the services that you would expect from a high-class marine radio and entertainment from a single device.
This is the best portable marine radio that will give you powerful, dynamic and clear sound. You can communicate with clarity even in rough seas and noisy surroundings. The device is powered using the ARM-9 processor that guarantees fast and intuitive audio control.
Unlike most marine radios, the device combines VHF frequency with AM/FM frequencies. USB ports allow you to connect your iPod and select songs to listen through the device’s powerful speakers.
It has a large LED display that is easy to read. You can play videos from your iPhone on the LED screen. The operating buttons are positioned next to the display screen for easy manipulation.
It has an integrated multi-zone technology which enables it to acquire data at any spot in the sea. With the device, you are always in the know.
- USB ports for iPod and iPhone interfacing
- Dynamic and clear sound
- Large LED display screen that can play videos
- Multi-zone technology enables you to receive information all over the globe
- The device is not waterproof and will be damaged if exposed to water
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Conclusion
After reading this comprehensive review and guide, we hope that you now have a good idea about the marine VHF radio review. If there is still some confusion on which is the best VHF marine radio for you, you’ve to find the answer to your question. All the radios reviewed in this article have wonderful features and customer reviews. But you have to pick one according to your need and budget.
So now it is time to choose the best marine radio. Just follow this article, think about your needs, and consider about your budget and then buy the right one!
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