Good marine radio

Recommendation on a saltwater proof marine radio?  New to all this. Just bought my first kayak.

Thanks!

Brook

Do you want a couple of cheep ones so you can stow one in a dry bay too,  a fancy one with GPS and stuff, or and good MOR kind? There are different approaches. I have two MOR Standard Horizons HX300 and another similar so my family on shore can reach me in case of emergency. A sweet Icom would be nice with a handset on my shoulder and all but I don't usually chat a lot. I have observed that some have been happy with Cobra two-packs(you can have a back up) something like the HH 125 (3W)West Marine can sell you a nice one or Wal Mart has a single pack of the above Cobra for not much more than half that price.
* edit was to remove a link to radios I didn't realize were "reconditioned"

If anyone has an extra radio ot sell or trade I really need one! I plan fishing in the ocean next summer and from what I have read that is one of the three Important safety items everyone must have. Can anyone help a fella out??

Get a 5/6w instead of a 3, and I wouldn't recommend a Cobra or Uniden model ever. Prefer Standard Horizon myself,  have a few and they work for a good long time.  The HX150 is the next one I plan on purchasing, and will probably get it at West Marine with an extended warranty.  But here is a decent price too: http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Horizon-HX150-Handheld-Marine/dp/B00AJVX5L6/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1415589358&sr=1-6&keywords=standard+horizon+vhf

Thanks for the feedback! Almost bought a uniden from the reviews on Amazon, but will do some more research on standard horizon.

My standard horizon has been good for 5 yrs now and I bought it used on eBay. I just rinse after use.

Cobra makes one with Bluetooth now so you can answer your calls on your radio when your phone is in your hatch. I just ordered one. Hope it works well

Mine is an icom m24... Small lightweight, 5W, I can fish 2 full days without dipping into the low battery signal off a single charge.   Great little radio.

The raido is the one purchase you want to be sure will work EVERY time you need it.  So dont skimp, go with a good one.  Buy the unidens and cobra's for your girlfriend, or a second VHF to be used on shore or kept in a dry bag.  But dont expect a cheap one to work when you need it most, because it likely wont.

My Cobras work great, and I feel that redundancy is way more important than people treat it.  I hang with at least two waterproof handhelds every time on the ocean, and the number one little one always works.

If you have one radio and your battery dies how awesome is the brand then?

I agree with Al that having a cheapo in the ditch bag and a nicer one like Uniden or SH on your person is ideal, but "likely won't" work is exaggerated - I've never had a cheap little Cobra fail on the water, and if I do I'll whip out a backup - that's the name of the game, IMO.

Advice:  don't be that guy who goes miles offshore and says stuff like, "my radio battery died"...

I've read several reviews on the Cobras and Unidens and there is a lot of concerns regarding the waterproofing of these units. Mostly saying they are splashproof, not waterproof.  My opinion of them is the cheaper they are, the cheaper they are made, and the weaker the signal is.  If you take a dunk and it doesn't work, well that could mean your life. If it cant transmit far enough to be heard, well that could mean your life.   I do know that Eric and even BigJim have stood by their products, but i'm still waiting to hear them say when they fail.  My Standard Horizon is 5 years old now, and still works like a charm. 

1st don't buy a used radio, you don't know how it has been treated and how much charge the battery wild.
I have a standard horizon that floats, when it gets wet ( FALLS IN THE WATER) it is difficult to hear till it dries up. the only thing i don't like is that is bulky.
I am thinking of getting a new one and keep this one for back up or as a loaner. when i do I will get a smaller, 5 watts and with a USB charger just in case I forget to charge it, plug it in the car on the way to the water.

West Marine has a rebate on line for $10.00 or $20.00 good till the end of the month.

I've had my West Marine since 2007
Battery last on 3+ days of outing.
Actually sank it at ARW for 30 mins without problem.
This model might be discontinued now but I'm sure there is updated version.

Don't buy the Cobra HH125...even if it seems like a really good deal haha. I killed 2 of them in less than a year. Both times because of "prolonged exposure to water" even though neither was ever submerged or dunked...just kept it in the front pocket of my pfd and I guess the regular ocean spray was enough to corrode the terminals.

Mine is an icom m24... Small lightweight, 5W, I can fish 2 full days without dipping into the low battery signal off a single charge.   Great little radio.

Yep I really like mine.  I have a SHx300 for a back up and loaner.  The Icom is better constructed and has better audio.