10 best floating vhf radios
Floating VHF radios are essential communication devices used in marine environments.They are designed to provide reliable two-way communication for boaters, sailors, and other water enthusiasts. These radios are particularly important for safety and navigation in open water, making them a crucial component of marine electronics and vehicle electronics, specifically for boats and other watercraft.
Here are some key features and aspects of floating VHF radios:
Floating Design: One of the standout features of these radios is their ability to float on water. This design element ensures that the radio remains buoyant if accidentally dropped overboard, making it easier to retrieve and preventing loss in case of accidents.
VHF Frequency: Floating VHF radios operate on Very High Frequency (VHF) bands, which are dedicated to marine communication. VHF frequencies provide reliable short-to-medium range communication, making them suitable for maritime use.
Channel Selection: These radios typically offer access to a wide range of channels, including international distress channels (such as Channel 16), which are used for emergencies and general calling. Users can switch between channels for various communication needs.
Weather Alerts: Many floating VHF radios are equipped with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather alert features. These radios can receive weather alerts and updates, providing important information for safe navigation and weather monitoring.
Power Output: VHF radios may have adjustable power output levels, allowing users to conserve battery life when operating in close proximity to other vessels or to maximize range when needed.
Built-In GPS: Some advanced models incorporate GPS functionality, which can be invaluable for accurate positioning and location sharing with rescue services in emergencies.
Submersible and Water-Resistant: Besides floating, these radios are often designed to be submersible or water-resistant, ensuring their durability and functionality even in wet and challenging conditions.
Battery Life: Battery life varies among different models, but most floating VHF radios are equipped with rechargeable battery packs. Extended battery life can be crucial in emergency situations.
Accessories: Manufacturers often offer various accessories such as external microphones, headsets, and mounting options to enhance the usability of these radios on board.
Floating VHF radios play a vital role in boating safety, allowing for communication with other vessels, harbormasters, emergency services, and fellow boaters. They are essential tools for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the water, whether for recreational or professional marine activities. Users should familiarize themselves with local regulations and proper radio etiquette to ensure effective and responsible use of these devices.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best floating vhf radios on the marketProduct description
When embarking on a marine adventure, you need a VHF marine radio for communication and safety. With safety features and 24-hour access to emergency alerts and broadcasts, Cobra’s got you covered. The best value in our handheld VHF radio line up backed by 50 years of Cobra quality, this floating radio has an orange core for higher visibility and is easy to retrieve if dropped overboard. It features 6 Watts of power for longer range communications and full access to all NOAA weather channels and alarm tones for weather emergencies. It also includes all the core features like Noise canceling microphone, JIS7/IPX7 rated Submersible, Tri-Watch, Memory Channels, Memory Scan and BURP.
- Maximum Coverage – This VHF marine radio 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.
- Safety First – Scan channels to find conversations in progress and have instant access to Channel 16 for emergency situations. Use the Tri-Watch feature to monitor three channels at once (Channel 16 and two user selected channel).
- Sea Ready – Floating design and orange core makes retrieving your radio easy if dropped overboard, and meeting JIS7 (IPX7) standards allows your radio to be submersed for 30 minutes at one meter deep.
- 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.
- Everything You Need – This Cobra Handheld Marine Radio comes ready to use with the included drop-in battery charger, AC charger, DC charger, LiON battery pack, antenna, owner’s manual, spring loaded belt clip, and wrist strap.
User questions & answers
Question: | is this radio a good radio for hunting |
Answer: | I am a maritime pilot and I have used it on board a vessel. It's function is good and reliable at sea. But I am notsure its fuction if you use it in the mountain for hunting because there is no obstruction at sea whereas many obstruction in the mountain. Its transmitting output is 3 watt. I am very sorry to make you fully satisaied. |
Question: | is this radio sold as pairs |
Answer: | It's a little misleading because the description does say dual, but it is only a single radio. |
Question: | whats the transmit range and receiving range for this radio |
Answer: | I bought a radius HH 350 Cobra MR nearly one year ago; Excellent battery lasts me 10 days to work the equipment until 1 to 2 hours daily . The strength of this team is very good and powerful, which is up to 6 watts, which do not have other devices from other manufacturers . I'm happy with this radio. I think the scope of this portable radio is about 10 miles. |
Question: | I know you are supposed to get a license fo GMRS. Do you need anything from the FCC to operate VHF at 6 watts |
Answer: | The radio has FCC certificate for Part 80, so most boaters don't need any additional license for operation within the rules, including use of your ship's callsign on shore adjacent to tthe waterway, at 1 watt, for limited purposes. |
Product features
Instant Channel 16/9
Instant access to channel 16 and channel 9 for emergency situations.
Memory Scan
Scan channels programmed in memory to find conversations in progress.
All NOAA Weather Channels
Instant access to national hazards and weather information, 24 hours a day.
Selectable Power Setting
Produces 1, 3 or 6 watts of output power for near or distant calling.
Submersible
Designed to IPX8 (JIS8) standards for water submersion.
Emergency Weather Alert
Alerts you to weather emergencies with a tone on a weather channel you can select for your area.
Product description
Cobra MR HH450 DUAL Handheld Floating VHF Radio – 6 Watt, All-Terrain, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, Memory Scan, Black
When heading out on the water, a VHF radio is vital for communication and safety. With advanced safety features, easy menu navigation, and 24 hr access to emergency alerts and broadcasts, Cobra’s got you covered. The MRHH450 is an All-Terrain Radio for year round, multi-purpose use. This compact floating unit features Rewind-Say-Again, GMRS channel dual-band functionality, and Cobra’s core VHF radio features like noise canceling microphone and NOAA weather.
Cobra Electronics GA-EB M2 Earbud and Compact Microphone
Cobra Electronics GA-EB M2 Earbud and Compact Microphone
- Product 1: Durable - Designed for tough use on boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, road trips, and anywhere else adventure takes you. Burp feature vibrates water out of the speaker and the noise canceling microphone block background noise for clear communication.
- Product 1: 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.
- Product 1: 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.
- Product 1: 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.
- Product 2: Earbud & Compact
- Product 2: Lightweight earbud headset with compact on-cord microphone
- Product 2: Push-to-talk (PTT) button for convenient communications
- Product 2: Fits all microTALK« radios
- Durable - Designed for tough use on boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, road trips, and anywhere else adventure takes you. Burp feature vibrates water out of the speaker and the noise canceling microphone block background noise for clear communication.
- 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.
- 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.
- 2.6-inch TFT LCD display. Display size-1.43 x 2.15 inches. 2.6 inch diagonal
- Worldwide shaded relief basemap; microSD card slot for optional mapping
- 3-Axis compass & barometric altimeter
- Floats, buoyant
- Maximum Coverage – This VHF marine radio 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.
- Safety First – Scan channels to find conversations in progress and have instant access to Channel 16 for emergency situations. Use the Tri-Watch feature to monitor three channels at once (Channel 16 and two user selected channel).
- Sea Ready – Floating design and orange core makes retrieving your radio easy if dropped overboard, and meeting JIS7 (IPX7) standards allows your radio to be submersed for 30 minutes at one meter deep.
- 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.
- Tested for durability
- Made in the USA
- Made using the highest quality components
- Water resistant O ring seal not intended to be submersed under water
- LONG RANGE UP TO 37 MILES: Provides an extended long range signal up to 37 miles with 2662 channel combinations & 121 privacy codes to minimize unwanted interference
- NOAA WEATHER & ALERT: Be prepared for storms and emergencies with built-in NOAA radio receiver and alert in the event of weather or other emergencies
- VOX - VOICE-ACTIVATED TRANSMISSION: The user's voice is detected and the radio transmits without the need to press any buttons, freeing hands for other tasks
- FLOATING & WATERPROOF (IPX7 standard): Never lose your radio. Floating design and orange core makes retrieving the radio easy if dropped in water
- Maximum Coverage – This VHF marine radio 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.
- Safety First – Scan channels to find conversations in progress and have instant access to Channel 16 for emergency situations. Use the Tri-Watch feature to monitor three channels at once (Channel 16 and two user selected channel).
- Sea Ready – Floating design and orange core makes retrieving your radio easy if dropped overboard, and meeting JIS7 (IPX7) standards allows your radio to be submersed for 30 minutes at one meter deep.
- 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.
- Maximum Coverage – This VHF marine radio 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.
- Safety First – Scan channels to find conversations in progress and have instant access to Channel 16 for emergency situations. Use the Tri-Watch feature to monitor three channels at once (Channel 16 and two user selected channel).
- Sea Ready – Floating design and orange core makes retrieving your radio easy if dropped overboard, and meeting JIS7 (IPX7) standards allows your radio to be submersed for 30 minutes at one meter deep.
- 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.
- It's 20 3/4" collapsed, telescopes out to 42"
- Has a corrosion-resistant aluminum shaft and high-impact plastic blade
- Weighs just 1 lb., 5 ozs
Product description
The Uniden Atlantis 155 continues Uniden tradition of providing Tough and reliable handheld radios. It features all NOAA weather channels, As well as all USA, International and Canadian marine channels. It also meets submersible waterproof standards. The Atlantis's brilliant backlit LCD display makes it easy to use, day or night for The power to go anywhere.
- 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
- NiMH Rechargeable 4xAAA, 950mAh NiMH rechargeable batteries and DC charging cable included. 3 Watt Transmit Power with user selectable 3W or 1W Transmit power. 3 Year Warranty and Full 3 year Waterproof Warranty.
User questions & answers
Question: | Does it transmit gps when transmitting a mayday |
Answer: | No, this is not a GPS equipped unit. You'll have to spend significantly more for that capability. |
Question: | When will you ship my order |
Answer: | They shipped my order to NZ within a few days |
Question: | Can the Atlantis 155 be recharged with an optional or universal AC charger |
Answer: | The unit I purchased included a 120v AC adapter. If using a universal type AC charger, make sure to pay attention to the voltage/amperage/polarity requirements as you can destroy electronics very easily if using the wrong type. This information can be found in the included manual. We really like this radio for what it is, but do not expect a $500 radio at this price. |
Question: | Want to connect the handheld to my mast antenna that has PL259 Is the antenna on the 155 removable and what type of connection is it |
Answer: | Kids have it at beech house might not see it for weeks |
Product features
Uniden Atlantis 155 Handheld Two-Way VHF Marine Radio
Big screen, compact size, and a boatload of features - it's the radio you won't leave shore without.
When every inch of space counts, 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 water-proof standards and even clears its speak after being submerged. And with its compact size it's never far away when you need to stay in touch the most.
Backlighting on the Largest LCD Screen in Class
User selectable white backlight for day and orange backlight for night. Increased visibility on the already largest LCD screen in class (30mm (h) x 40mm (w)) for clear, easy to read channel numbers and icons.
Floating Radio with Speaker Vibrating Tone
The Atlantis 275 floats and is rated submersible to 4.9 feet for 30 minutes. Furthermore, it comes equipped with a tone to clear water from the speaker cavity when the radio has been submerged, meaning this radio will be ready when you need it the most.
NOAA Weather Channels
Receives all Weather channels and Alerts. Comes with an emergency strobe light and built-in flashlight for emergency situations.
Product description
best in class
- great products
User questions & answers
Question: | Does it come with a charging base |
Answer: | Is a watch made of metal and glass. It’s quartz movement vs. automatic (mechanical). It’s well made and has some heft. It is not a Casio G-Shock, however it can withstand some shock/rough activity. It’s depth rated to 200 meters or 600 feet |
Product description
Garmin GPSMAP 78S Marine GPS Navigator and World Wide Chartplotter (010-00864-01)
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For boaters and watersports enthusiasts who want to run with the best, the rugged GPSMAP 78s features a 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, crisp color mapping, high-sensitivity receiver, new molded rubber side grips, plus a microSD™ card slot for loading additional maps. And it floats!
Explore
GPSMAP 78s comes with built-in worldwide basemap, so you can navigate anywhere with ease. And, like the rest of the 78-series, 78s is IPX7 waterproof and even floats in water.
Get Your Bearings
GPSMAP 78s has a built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass, which shows your heading even when you’re standing still, without holding it level. Its barometric altimeter tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude, and you can even use it to plot barometric pressure over time, which can help you keep an eye on changing weather conditions.
Share Wirelessly
With GPSMAP 78s you can share your waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches wirelessly other compatible device users. Now you can send the location of your favorite fishing spot to a friend to find. Sharing data is easy. Just press “send” to transfer your information to similar units.
Keep Your Fix
With its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver and HotFix™ satellite prediction, GPSMAP 78s locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons. The advantage is clear — whether you’re in deep woods or just near tall buildings and trees, you can count on GPSMAP 78s to help you find your way when you need it the most.
Add Maps
Adding more maps is easy with our wide array of detailed marine, topographic and road maps, available on microSD card. Conveniently plug in BlueChart® g2 preloaded cards for a great day on the water or City Navigator NT® map data for turn-by-turn routing on roads (see maps tab for compatible maps). The card slot is located inside the waterproof battery compartment, so you don't have to worry about getting it wet. GPSMAP 78s also supports BirdsEye™ Satellite Imagery (subscription required), that lets you download satellite images to your device and integrate them with your maps. In addition, the 78s is compatible with Custom Maps, free software that transforms paper and electronic maps into downloadable maps for your device.
Get Connected
You've been busy exploring and now you want to store and analyze your activities. With a simple connection to your computer and to the Internet, you can get a detailed analysis of your activities and send tracks to your outdoor device using Garmin Connect™. This one-stop site offers an activity table and allows you to view your activities on a map using Google™ Earth. Explore other routes uploaded by millions of Garmin Connect users and share your experiences on Twitter® and Facebook®. Getting started is easy, so get out there, explore and share.
Find Fun
GPSMAP 78s supports geocaching GPX files for downloading geocaches and details straight to your unit. By going paperless, you're not only helping the environment but also improving efficiency. GPSMAP 78s stores and displays key information, including location, terrain, difficulty, hints and descriptions, which means no more manually entering coordinates and paper printouts. Simply upload the GPX file to your unit and start hunting for caches. Slim and lightweight, 78s is the perfect companion for all your outdoor pursuits.
Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio – 6 Watt, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, Memory Scan, Grey
When embarking on a marine adventure, you need a VHF marine radio for communication and safety. With safety features and 24-hour access to emergency alerts and broadcasts, Cobra’s got you covered. The best value in our handheld VHF radio line up backed by 50 years of Cobra quality, this floating radio has an orange core for higher visibility and is easy to retrieve if dropped overboard. It features 6 Watts of power for longer range communications and full access to all NOAA weather channels and alarm tones for weather emergencies. It also includes all the core features like Noise canceling microphone, JIS7/IPX7 rated Submersible, Tri-Watch, Memory Channels, Memory Scan and BURP.
- Product 1: 2.6-inch TFT LCD display. Display size-1.43 x 2.15 inches. 2.6 inch diagonal
- Product 1: Worldwide shaded relief basemap; microSD card slot for optional mapping
- Product 1: 3-Axis compass & barometric altimeter
- Product 1: Floats, buoyant
- Product 2: Maximum Coverage – This VHF marine radio 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.
- Product 2: Safety First – Scan channels to find conversations in progress and have instant access to Channel 16 for emergency situations. Use the Tri-Watch feature to monitor three channels at once (Channel 16 and two user selected channel).
- Product 2: Sea Ready – Floating design and orange core makes retrieving your radio easy if dropped overboard, and meeting JIS7 (IPX7) standards allows your radio to be submersed for 30 minutes at one meter deep.
- Product 2: 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.
Product description
Submersible, rugged, reliable—say Hello to the mariner’s most faithful companion. The MHS335BT is the perfect companion for even the most perilous seas. Its completely submersible design is equipped to handle the weather and the waves, while remaining your fail proof lifeline to the information and communication that keeps you safe at sea. Whether facing rough waters or enjoying smooth sailing, the MHS335BT is easily within reach throughout it all.
- The new MHS335BT pushes the boundaries of Handheld Marine VHF radio functionality, with Full 6 Watts of Power, Class D Industry Standard DSC, and integrated GPS.
- It floats, meets the toughest waterproof IPX8 standards, clears its speaker of water after a dunking and even includes an integrated flashlight. NOAA Weather Channels – Weather Alert and S.A.M.E. local location alerts.
- The MHS335BT is the perfect companion for even the most perilous seas. It’s completely submersible design is equipped to handle the weather & waves, while remaining your fail-proof lifeline to information & communication that keeps you safe at sea.
- Full Class D Industry Standard DSC - Meets ITU-R M.493-13, 14, IEC 62238, with Integrated GPS Receiver – WAAS, SBAS, and QZSS for worldwide accuracy.
- Bluetooth Wireless – Use smartphone app to set up the radio and text message other VHF text message capable radios. Auto Plot to Distress Call – Built-in compass screen, & Water Activated MOB – Automatically activates Distress feature when in water.
- Includes VHF Radio, AC/DC Charging Cables, Charging Cradle, Li-Ion Battery, Alkaline Battery Tray, Wrist Strap, Belt Clip, Antenna, and Printed Materials. Waypoint Navigation – Navigate to your stored locations using the compass screen.
User questions & answers
Question: | Can I use this radio as a scanner to listen to great lake freighter radio traffic |
Answer: | Yes, but if you only want to listen to voice traffic, a cheaper VHF, without DSC and GPS, will also work fine. Most are about $100 cheaper. This radio is suitable for recreational vessels involved in racing and coastal cruising. |
Question: | is this pair of radios? (2 radios for |
Answer: | Nope, it is a single radio. The two-way designation means it both receives and transmits, as apposed to, say, your car radio, which only receives. |
Question: | how far off shore will this radio work |
Answer: | Dennis, I have only used it in local waters but believe this VHF will work 15 to 20 miles away. If you go off shore (15 to 50 miles) you should rely on a VHF with large antenna etc. |
Question: | If I buy 3 of these radios can I talk and listen to others on the same channel |
Answer: | Recent FCC change makes it legal to talk from shore to a boat on the water. Must restrict oneself to marine related traffic. Effective January 2017, the use of portable VHF radio ashore is allowed, “so long as it is limited to enhancing the usefulness of marine VHF radios without negatively affecting maritime communications.” From BoatUS Magazine, April-May, 2017 |
Product features
Uniden MHS335BT Floatable IPX8 Submersible Bluetooth Handheld VHF Radio
Submersible, rugged, reliable - say hello to the mariner's most faithful companion.
The MHS335BT is the perfect companion for even the most perilous seas. Its completely submersible design is equipped to handle the weather and the waves while remaining your fail-proof lifeline to the information and communication that keeps you safe at sea. Whether facing rough waters or enjoying smooth sailing, the MHS335BT is easily within reach throughout it all.
Bluetooth Wireless and Smartphone App
Use the smartphone app via Bluetooth to set up the radio and to text message other VHF text message capable radios. You can also use the app to keep your radio's firmware up to date for optimal performance.
Full Class D Industry Standard DSC with Integrated GPS Receiver
GPS Receiver is WAAS, SBAS and QZSS capable for worldwide accuracy. Also features NOAA weather channels: weather alert and S.A.M.E. local location alerts.
Water Activated MOB and Water Activated Emergency Strobe Light
The Water Activated MOB and Water Activated Emergency Strobe Light features activate automatically in water in order to ensure maximum safety.
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