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Better basic transceiver and audio performance push the Icom M302 past more full-featured competitors in this test of units under $160. The Standard Horizon Quest finishes a strong second.

The VHF radio remains the most important communication device on a boat. Our report includes a review of the ever-growing number of features that come with these radios, as well as performance results.

VHF marine radios remain the most common and useful communication devices found aboard recreational boats. And for good reasons: They are inexpensive, have no monthly user fees, and can be used for routine voice traffic as well as emergency calls. Plus, with the advent of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) several years ago, limited digital information can now be sent via VHF. Other methods of communicating by voice, via cell phone, for example, have become popular and do have a place on a boat—just not as the primary communication tool. …