There are some things you just don't go without on the water. Among them, a good Very High Frequency (VHF) handheld radio which is your primary means of communication and, quite simply, the most important safety device you can have aboard your vessel at all times. Most major maritime rescue agencies, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, actively monitor VHF transmissions to assist boaters in trouble. These radios are more reliable than your standard cell phone since cell towers are non-existent in open water.
When looking for a good VHF radio, you want it to come with a back up antenna and power source in case the boat is disabled. Portability is important since you want to be able to carry the radio with you in the event something happens or you're away from the helm for any period of time. The radio should also be waterproof and float as well since if it takes a dive overboard, you want it to keep working and avoid taking a dive to retrieve it.
Keep an eye on battery life at all times since Murphy's Law states the worst emergency will arise when your radio is low on juice. Try to minimize disaster with a fully charged radio at all times to allow for more talk time and less charge time.
Before you hit the high seas, get yourself a good VHF radio. Chances are you'll find the one that's right for you among these five best picks listed below. They've all made our list under strict selection criteria including each unit’s portability, power options, extra features, ease of use, reliability, durability, and price.