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Marine Radios – Fixed-Mount & Handheld VHF Radios
Shop our full selection of marine VHF radios, the single most important piece of safety communication equipment aboard any boat. Our lineup covers both fixed-mount systems for your helm and handheld units for backup, tenders, and deck work — with features like Digital Selective Calling (DSC), built-in GPS, and AIS available across a range of trusted brands and price points.
Shop Marine Radios by Brand
We carry marine radios from five of the most trusted names in the industry: Standard Horizon, widely regarded as a top manufacturer known for reliable build quality and strong battery performance, particularly in the handheld category; Icom, recognized for premium handheld and fixed-mount units with advanced features like integrated AIS; Garmin, a strong choice for fixed-mount installations, especially for boaters already running Garmin chartplotters and NMEA 2000-networked electronics; Cobra, offering solid performance across both fixed-mount and budget-friendly handheld options; and Uniden, known for rugged, dependable radios at accessible price points. Not sure which brand or type fits your boat? See our guidance below or reach out to our team.
Fixed-Mount vs. Handheld
Fixed-mount radios run off your boat’s battery system, transmit at up to 25 watts, and offer the longest range — typically around 25 nautical miles with proper antenna height — making them the primary radio for most boats. Handheld radios transmit at 5-6 watts with a shorter range of roughly 5-8 nautical miles, but are portable, often waterproof, and double as a critical backup if your boat’s electrical system or fixed radio fails. Most experienced boaters carry both — a fixed-mount as the primary system and a handheld as backup or for use in a dinghy, tender, or “ditch bag” in an emergency.
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and MMSI
DSC is a safety feature built into virtually all VHF radios above entry-level today, part of the international Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). With a single button press, a DSC radio transmits an automated distress alert on Channel 70, including your vessel’s identification and — if connected to GPS — your exact position, to the Coast Guard and any other DSC-equipped vessels in range. To use DSC, you’ll need to register a free MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number through the FCC or BoatUS and program it into your radio before use; without it, the distress button has no way to identify your vessel or transmit your position.
Understanding VHF Channels
Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is the international hailing and distress channel monitored continuously by the Coast Guard — used only to initiate contact or in an emergency, then followed by switching to a working channel for further conversation. Channel 70 (156.525 MHz) is reserved exclusively for DSC digital distress alerts and is not used for voice communication. Additional working channels handle routine ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore traffic.
Additional Features Worth Considering
- AIS (Automatic Identification System): shows the position of nearby vessels on the radio’s display, adding a real-time layer of collision awareness, especially valuable in busy shipping lanes or low visibility
- Built-in GPS: automatically includes your position in DSC distress transmissions without needing a separate GPS connection
- NMEA 2000 connectivity: lets fixed-mount radios share data with other networked electronics onboard, such as chartplotters
- Waterproof rating (IPX7/IPX8): important for handheld units especially, ensuring the radio survives drops overboard or heavy spray
- NOAA weather alert: monitors weather channels silently and sounds an alert if a severe weather warning is issued
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to operate a marine VHF radio?
In the United States, recreational boaters generally don’t need an operator license, but you do need a free MMSI number to use DSC features. Requirements can differ for commercial vessels or international travel — check current FCC regulations.
Do I need both a fixed-mount and a handheld radio?
Many boaters carry both: a fixed-mount as the primary radio at the helm and a handheld as backup, for tender use, or in an emergency ditch bag. If your boat has reliable electrical power, a fixed-mount alone covers most needs, but a handheld adds valuable redundancy.
What is DSC and why does it matter?
DSC lets you send an automated distress alert with your vessel ID and GPS position to the Coast Guard and nearby vessels with one button press, rather than relying on voice communication during an emergency.
Do I need AIS on my marine radio?
AIS isn’t required for most recreational boaters, but it adds meaningful safety value in busy shipping lanes, at night, or in low visibility by showing nearby vessel positions directly on your radio’s display.
Shop Standard Horizon, Icom, Garmin, Cobra, and Uniden marine radios below — fixed-mount and handheld — to build the communication setup that fits your boat.