10 Best Boat Vhf Radios 2025 in the United States

The Uniden UM385 is a solid choice if you need a reliable fixed mount VHF radio for boating. Its 25-watt power output is strong enough to provide clear communication up to around 40 miles, which is useful for most boating situations. It covers 40 channels, including all U.S., international, and Canadian marine channels, so you’ll have plenty of options for contacting other boats or coast stations. It also includes DSC with a distress button, allowing you to quickly send emergency signals and your position, which is a valuable safety feature.

For weather awareness, it has NOAA weather alerts and S.A.M.E. weather alert functionality, helping you stay informed about storms or hazardous conditions while on the water. The radio meets an IPX4 waterproof rating, meaning it resists splashes and rain, but it’s not fully submersible, so extra care is needed in heavy wet environments.

This model doesn’t have built-in GPS, which some boaters might miss since GPS integration can automatically send your precise location in emergencies. The unit is fairly compact for a fixed mount radio, but at 3.55 pounds and dimensions of roughly 6 x 5 x 2.6 inches, it’s designed to be installed on your boat with a wired mic for easy use from the helm. The rugged handheld mic allows you to transmit without distraction, which is handy. If you want a dependable, feature-rich marine VHF radio with important safety features and solid channel coverage but don’t need GPS built-in, the Uniden UM385 is a strong option.

The Garmin 0100209800 VHF 215 AIS is a reliable choice for a boat VHF radio, especially if you value range and durability. With a maximum talking range of 36 miles, it ensures clear communication over long distances, which is crucial for safety at sea. The device operates on a voltage of 12 volts (DC) and is water-resistant, making it suitable for marine environments. It includes 10 channels, covering a frequency range from 156.050 MHz to 163.275 MHz, including weather (WX) channels, which is beneficial for receiving real-time weather alerts.

The integration of an anti-glare screen is a practical feature for readability in bright conditions. The product is relatively hefty, weighing 5.3 pounds, and its medium size dimensions (10.2 x 9 x 6.3 inches) might make it less portable compared to more compact models. The Garmin 0100209800 VHF 215 AIS is well-suited for those needing a robust, long-range communication device, but it may fall short in terms of GPS features and compactness.

The ICOM M424G is a reliable fixed mount VHF radio suitable for boats. It offers 21 channels, including dedicated weather channels with alert functions, which help keep you updated on changing weather while out on the water. The radio features an internal GPS that assists with location tracking and supports compatibility with AIS transponders for added safety.

With a waterproof rating of IPX7, the radio can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, protecting it from splashes and rain. The Aqua Quake draining function helps clear water from the speaker area, ensuring clear audio. The unit’s size and weight are typical for fixed mount radios, designed to stay securely installed, and it operates on 12 volts power from the boat’s system, eliminating battery life concerns.

While it covers the essential features expected from a marine VHF radio, its maximum talking range of around 5 miles meets most recreational boating needs. If you require more channels or higher power output for longer range, this model may not meet those demands. The ICOM M424G provides dependable communication, effective weather alert features, and useful GPS integration, making it a strong option for boaters seeking a fixed mount VHF radio that balances functionality and ruggedness.