Handheld Marine VHF Radios

Handheld VHF radios are your secondary comms on the water — the backup that goes wherever you do. Clipped to a PFD, stashed in a dry bag, or used as primary comms on a kayak or dinghy, a quality handheld delivers 3 to 5 miles of reliable range and floats if dropped overboard. Most modern handhelds also support DSC distress calling and built-in GPS for one-button emergency alerts with your position.

Sonark Marine carries handheld marine VHF radios from Standard Horizon, Uniden, and Icom — designed to survive saltwater immersion and the rough handling of real boating. From basic 3-watt floating units to full-feature 6-watt handhelds with DSC, GPS, and NOAA weather alerts, choosing the right handheld gives you a safety net no fixed mount can match: it works when you’re not at the helm.

How to Choose a Handheld VHF

• Look for IPX7 or higher waterproof rating and a buoyant chassis — some models float screen-up so you can read the display while retrieving them.
• Choose Class H DSC with built-in GPS if you want one-button distress alerts that transmit your position automatically.
• Prioritize battery life and replaceable lithium packs for multi-day trips and offshore use.
• Pair with a fixed-mount VHF for primary comms — handhelds are backup, not replacement. See our communication best practices guide.