Whether you’re cruising the Gulf of Mexico or anchoring at a sandbar like Crab Island, staying connected on the water isn’t optional, it’s essential. When you buy marine VHF radio equipment, you’re investing in your safety, your crew’s peace of mind, and reliable communication when cell service drops off.
At Original Crab Island, we spend our days on the Emerald Coast helping visitors experience Destin’s waters through boat rentals, fishing charters, and water adventures. We know firsthand how critical proper marine communication gear is for every boater, whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned captain.
This guide breaks down five solid options for purchasing a marine VHF radio online. We’ll cover handheld units for portability, fixed-mount systems for larger vessels, and everything in between, so you can find the right fit for your boat and budget.
1. West Marine
West Marine stands as the largest marine retailer in the United States, offering an extensive inventory of marine VHF radios from brands like Standard Horizon, Icom, and Uniden. Their online platform lets you filter by handheld or fixed-mount options, DSC capability, and waterproof ratings, making it straightforward to narrow down choices.
What you can buy here
You’ll find everything from basic handheld units starting around $100 to premium fixed-mount systems with AIS integration that run over $600. West Marine stocks both recreational-grade radios for weekend boaters and commercial-grade equipment for professional captains. Their selection includes accessories like external speakers, RAM mounts, and antenna upgrades.
Best for
West Marine works best for boaters who want in-person support alongside online shopping. You can order online and pick up at one of their 240+ retail locations, which lets you ask questions before finalizing your purchase. Their staff typically includes experienced boaters who understand installation requirements and feature comparisons.
Typical pricing
Handheld VHF radios range from $120 to $350, while fixed-mount models span $150 to $700 depending on features like DSC, AIS, and display quality. West Marine runs frequent sales and offers a loyalty rewards program that gives you 5% back on purchases, which adds up when you buy marine VHF radio equipment and accessories together.
"Their price-match guarantee means you won’t overpay if you find a lower advertised price elsewhere."
Shipping, returns, and warranties
Standard shipping takes 3-7 business days, and orders over $49 qualify for free shipping. Returns are accepted within 90 days of purchase with original packaging. Most radios come with manufacturer warranties ranging from one to three years, and West Marine offers extended protection plans for additional coverage.
What to check before you click buy
Verify the radio includes DSC capability if you want distress signaling features. Check whether your boat needs a handheld or fixed-mount unit based on your vessel size and typical usage. Read through installation requirements for fixed-mount systems, as some models need professional wiring if you’re not comfortable working with 12-volt electrical systems.
2. Walcott Radio
Walcott Radio specializes in marine electronics and has been serving boaters since 1961. Their online store focuses specifically on communication equipment, which means you’ll find knowledgeable staff who understand VHF radio specifications and installation requirements better than general retailers.
What you can buy here
You can buy marine VHF radio units from Icom, Standard Horizon, and Uniden, along with antennas, mounting brackets, and cables. Their inventory leans toward fixed-mount systems for powerboats and sailboats, though they stock handheld options as well.
Best for
Walcott Radio serves boaters who want technical expertise during the buying process. Their sales team can answer specific questions about antenna length, coax cable requirements, and DSC programming. This retailer works well when you need installation guidance beyond basic setup instructions.
Typical pricing
Fixed-mount VHF radios start around $170 and go up to $550 for advanced models with GPS integration. Handheld units range from $130 to $300. Their prices align with competitors, though you won’t find deep discounts or frequent sales promotions.
"You’ll pay standard retail prices, but the trade-off is access to specialists who know marine communications."
Shipping, returns, and warranties
Orders ship within 2-3 business days via UPS or FedEx. Returns are accepted within 30 days with a restocking fee on opened items. Manufacturer warranties apply to all radios, typically covering one to three years depending on the brand.
What to check before you click buy
Confirm your boat’s electrical system voltage matches the radio’s requirements before ordering. Check whether you need additional accessories like antenna mounts or coax cables, as these often ship separately and add to your total cost.
3. The GPS Store
The GPS Store operates as a specialized marine electronics retailer with a focused inventory of navigation and communication equipment. Their online platform carries VHF radios from manufacturers like Icom, Standard Horizon, and Garmin, paired with expert guidance from a team that understands marine communication requirements.
What you can buy here
You’ll find handheld and fixed-mount VHF radios alongside mounting hardware, antennas, and coax cables. The GPS Store stocks models with DSC capability, GPS integration, and Class D Digital Selective Calling features. Their inventory includes both recreational and commercial-grade equipment.
Best for
This retailer serves boaters who want specialized knowledge when they buy marine VHF radio equipment. The sales team understands antenna placement, cable routing, and DSC setup procedures. Their expertise helps you match radio features to your specific boating needs.
Typical pricing
Handheld units start around $140 and reach $320, while fixed-mount systems range from $180 to $600 depending on features. Their pricing stays competitive with other marine specialists, and they occasionally run manufacturer promotions.
"You’ll find fair pricing without the deep discounts of big-box retailers."
Shipping, returns, and warranties
Orders ship within 2-4 business days through major carriers. You can return items within 30 days with original packaging. Manufacturer warranties cover one to three years based on brand and model.
What to check before you click buy
Verify your boat’s mounting space for fixed units before ordering. Check whether you need additional accessories like antenna mounts or extension cables, as these typically ship as separate items.
4. Amazon
Amazon carries a massive inventory of marine VHF radios from dozens of manufacturers, giving you access to more models and price points than any specialized marine retailer. You’ll find Standard Horizon, Uniden, Cobra, and Icom units alongside lesser-known brands. The platform’s customer reviews and questions sections help you compare real-world experiences before making a purchase decision.
What you can buy here
You can buy marine VHF radio units in both handheld and fixed-mount configurations, along with antennas, mounting brackets, and power cables. Amazon stocks everything from basic recreational models to advanced systems with DSC, GPS, and AIS integration. Third-party sellers expand the selection beyond what ships directly from Amazon warehouses.
Best for
Amazon works well for boaters who prioritize competitive pricing and fast delivery over specialized advice. The platform serves you best when you already know which radio model you need and want the convenience of Prime shipping. You’ll benefit from easy price comparisons and customer feedback.
Typical pricing
Handheld units range from $90 to $280, while fixed-mount radios span $140 to $550. Prices fluctuate based on seller competition and seasonal sales. Prime members get additional discounts during promotional periods.
"Amazon’s pricing beats specialized marine retailers by 10-20% on identical models."
Shipping, returns, and warranties
Prime members receive free two-day shipping on eligible items. You can return most radios within 30 days for a full refund. Manufacturer warranties apply directly through the brand, not through Amazon.
What to check before you click buy
Verify you’re ordering from a reputable seller by checking ratings and reviews. Confirm the radio includes all mounting hardware and cables, as some listings ship unit-only without accessories.
5. Cobra online store
Cobra manufactures handheld VHF radios specifically designed for recreational boaters and operates a direct-to-consumer online store. Their website focuses exclusively on Cobra-branded products, which means you’ll find their complete radio lineup without sorting through competing brands. The company has built a reputation for producing affordable handheld units that balance basic functionality with durability.
What you can buy here
You can buy marine VHF radio units from Cobra’s HH and MR series, which include floating handheld models with 6-watt power output. Their inventory includes radios with noise-canceling microphones, backlit displays, and some models with Rewind-Say-Again playback features. Cobra stocks replacement antennas, charging cradles, and speaker microphones as accessories.
Best for
Cobra’s store works best for boaters seeking budget-friendly handheld radios for occasional use. Their direct sales approach eliminates retailer markups while maintaining warranty coverage. You’ll benefit from buying directly if you want manufacturer support without third-party complications.
Typical pricing
Handheld units range from $90 to $180, positioning Cobra as one of the most affordable options in marine VHF communications. Their pricing undercuts premium brands by 30-40% while maintaining basic functionality.
"Direct purchasing from Cobra eliminates retailer margins and speeds up warranty claims."
Shipping, returns, and warranties
Orders ship within 3-5 business days via standard carriers. Returns are accepted within 30 days with original packaging. All radios include a three-year warranty covering manufacturing defects.
What to check before you click buy
Confirm the radio includes NOAA weather channels and meets your power requirements for your typical boating range. Check whether the model floats, as not all Cobra handhelds include this feature.
Quick next step
Now that you’ve explored five solid options to buy marine VHF radio equipment online, you can make an informed decision based on your boat type, budget, and feature requirements. Whether you choose West Marine’s extensive inventory, Amazon’s competitive pricing, or direct purchasing from Cobra, proper communication gear keeps you safe on the water and connected when it matters most.
The right VHF radio transforms how you experience boating by connecting you to weather updates, emergency services, and other vessels in your area. When you’re ready to put that equipment to use, consider exploring the waters around Destin and discovering why Crab Island remains one of Florida’s most popular boating destinations.
Plan your Crab Island adventure with Original Crab Island for pontoon rentals, fishing charters, and guided tours that show you the best of the Emerald Coast. We’ll help you create memorable experiences on the water.
