A look at several different marine radio brands: Garmin VHF 100/200, ICOM handheld VHFs, IPRO GlobalFix, Ray 218 VHF/Hailer and more.

By Bruce Pelkey

Everyone understands the importance of a VHF radio. A fixed-mount unit provides a key communications link to other boaters, the Coast Guard, and local police. If you travel offshore, a VHF may be your only means of requesting assistance. On the other hand, if disaster strikes or your boat loses power, a portable handheld VHF could make the difference between inconvenience and calamity.

GARMIN recently introduced the new VHF 100 and VHF 200 radios. ($250-400; www.garmin.com)

ICOM offers two floating handheld VHFs, the IC-M34 and the IC-M36. ($280-310; www.icomamerica.com)

The Ray 218 VHF/Hailer features a large oversize display and styling to match any existing Raymarine products you may have onboard. ($500; www.raymarine.com)

STANDARD HORIZON’s HX750S handheld VHF has a wireless Bluetooth headset that features both voice activation and push-to-talk. ($150-250; www.standardhorizon.com)

Although not a VHF, ACR’s GlobalFix IPRO will keep you in touch in an emergency. It features a digital display, dual GPS technology, and an LED strobe. ($850; www.acrelectronics.com)

Check out Capt. Bruce Pelkey's site, navigate-us.com, for more marine electronics comparisons and information.