icom m24 vs standard horizon HX 751

other than the +30$ for the ICOM these seem pretty comparable-the icom has a bit more battery time.

but this will be my first VHF and looking for experiences with either model

IMHO the Icom is a better quality built radio.  Just my 2 cents.

I have been using the HX 751 for the last 2 years without issue and it floats 

Personally, I'm not buying ICOM's anymore.  It seems they are under powered compared to Standard Horizon models.  I'd go with the SH myself, seen much less issues.