West Marine
Handheld VHF Marine Radio Floating Waterproof
Waterproof handheld VHF radio with DSC distress button. Your lifeline on the water.
Best for
All boaters, but especially those venturing beyond sight of shore or in areas with heavy boat traffic.
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Our Verdict
A VHF radio is the single most important safety device you can have on a boat. West Marine carries a full range of handheld VHF radios — the DSC button can automatically transmit your GPS coordinates to the Coast Guard with one press.
What We Like
- High Visibility Floating Core - The perfect compact VHF radio for marine use on any size vessel, designed with a high-visibility orange floating core for buoyancy and easy retrieval if dropped overboard
- 6 Watt VHF Power – Switchable between 1/3/6 Watts of power for range demands and battery optimization, use only the amount of power you need for vessels/stations near and far
- Day/Night Display - Day/Night selectable LCD display for easy viewing and high visibility at any time of day or night, regardless of weather conditions
- Tri-Watch Mode - Instantly access Channels 9, 16, and any user-specified channel with Tri-Watch, allowing you to monitor multiple channels at once in busy waterways for safety
- NOAA Weather Alerts - 12 weather channels and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration emergency broadcast channel access to stay informed and safe on the water
- IPX7 Waterproof - Designed to perform in wet environments and potential full immersion, this portable radio is appropriate for demanding marine usage on the water
Watch Out For
- Requires MMSI registration for DSC to work
- Battery life shorter at full power
DSC: The Feature That Saves Lives
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) allows you to send an automated distress signal that includes your vessel identity and GPS position to the Coast Guard and nearby vessels. To use DSC, you must register your radio with a free MMSI number at BoatUS.org or Sea Tow.
Channel 16
Channel 16 is the international distress and calling channel. All boaters should monitor Channel 16 whenever underway. The Coast Guard monitors it 24/7. If you need help, call "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday" on Channel 16.
Waterproof Rating
Look for IPX7 or better — submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This means it will survive being dropped overboard in shallow water. West Marine staff can walk you through the options.
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See Best Price for Handheld VHF Marine Radio Floating WaterproofAffiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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