Sale of Radios for Yachts and Boats
On this page, you'll find a catalog of radios for yachts and boats that you can purchase on our marketplace.
If you're unsure about which radio to choose and have questions, please write to or call our managers, and they will be happy to advise you before making a purchase.
Ships are subject to the international SOLAS Convention must operate in the GMDSS. To do this, they must be equipped with the required radio equipment to work in Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. All maritime passenger ships, as well as all cargo ships with a displacement of 300 tons or more, fall under the requirements of this convention.
The minimum radio equipment includes a fixed Marine VHF Radio with a digital selective calling (DSC) device, providing:
- transmission of DSC alerts on channel 70 (156.525 MHz);
- continuous watch at a frequency of 156.525 MHz in DSC mode;
- two-way communication in the range 156 – 174 MHz.
The requirements, among other equipment, also include a VHF radio station for two-way communication of lifeboats and rafts, that is, Marine VHF Handheld Radio.
Marine VHF Handheld Radios in GMDSS have the following requirements:
- frequencies – 156.8 MHz (channel 16), as well as additionally at least 1 more simplex channel;
- radiation class – G3E;
- transmitter power – not less than 0.25 W;
- power source - a dry cell with a shelf life of at least 2 years or a battery with a charger;
- operating time – at least 8 hours with a working cycle of 1:1:8 (transmission: active reception: standby mode);
- waterproof ability – the radio must be waterproof to a depth of 1 m for 5 minutes.
topRik marketplace presents all this equipment from the world's best manufacturers of marine stationary and handheld radio stations in this section. You have the option to choose a fixed VHF Radio and VHF handheld radio from Simrad, Lowrance, Cobra, Icom, Garmin, Himunication, Polmar, Raymarine and other well-known companies, focusing on the characteristics of the vessel, their own needs and the dedicated budget.
What is a Marine Radio and How Does it Work?
One of the most important pieces of safety equipment on board your yacht or boat is a two-way radio. Marine VHF radios use the radio frequency range from 156.0 to 162.025 MHz, inclusive.
Marine radios have a specific set of frequencies assigned to predefined channels within the radio, and each channel is dedicated to a specific type of communication. For example, channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is the international calling and distress channel on all maritime radio stations.
Fixed marine radios (also called airborne radios) on ships must also have Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capability, allowing a distress call to be sent at the touch of a button. If you plan to travel more than a few miles offshore, it is also recommended to have a second radio, preferably one fixed and one portable.
A marine VHF radio is a combination transmitter and receiver. Marine VHF radios primarily use "simplex" transmission, meaning that communication occurs in one direction at a time. The transmit button on the device or microphone determines whether it is transmitting or receiving. Some channels are set to "half-duplex" transmission, allowing simultaneous communication in both directions. Each half-duplex channel has two frequency assignments.
What is Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
A vessel in an emergency situation should send out a distress signal and request assistance as quickly as possible. For this purpose , Digital was developed and implemented selective calling (DSC) – technology for automatically sending an emergency call to neighboring ships and coastal services. Calling through the DSC system requires minimal human intervention: you can send a distress message with the press of just one button and receive a response in less than one minute.
Digital selective calling (DSC) – main type communication, which used V as part of GMDSS - Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. The main element of DSC is the controller, which can be a separate device or built into the on-board radio station. Modern controllers have functions for recording and accounting for received and sent calls.
DSC is used to provide:
- sending a distress signal to ships and coastal services;
- notification about sending urgent messages;
- calling to obtain vessel coordinates and other important information;
- request for regular radio communication.
Marine radios with a built-in DSC controller have a red Distress button. When you press the button, the call is sent automatically and repeated 5 times, which increases the likelihood of reception.
The duration of one call on VHF frequencies is approximately 7 seconds, on MF/HF frequencies - 0.5 seconds, that is, a total of 3 seconds on VHF and 35 seconds on MF/HF. After the call is confirmed by ship and shore radio stations, communication is carried out using the method indicated in the calling sequence (radio telephone or telex).
GMDSS system prioritizes coast stations, which must be the first to acknowledge the call (allowable time from 1 minute to 2.75 minutes) and redirect it to the rescue coordination center and other ships.
The actions of the vessel that received the call depend on what frequencies (VHF, MF, HF) it was received on and on the sea area in which the receiving vessel is located.
Types of Marine Radios
There are basically two types of marine radios: portable and fixed. Portable marine radios are more limited in power and therefore have a shorter range, but can be moved from one boat to another. Fixed mount marine radios, as the name suggests, are permanently installed. They provide more power and have a longer range because they operate from the electrical connections on your boat. Maximum transmit power for marine VHF radios ranges from 5 W for portable units to 25 W for fixed units.
Range of Marine Radios
Maximum range of marine radios is up to approximately 60 nautical miles (111 km) between antennas mounted on tall ships and hills, and 5 nautical miles (9 km; 6 mi) between antennas mounted on small boats at sea level that transmit to a 25-watt radio. Antennas should be vertical to ensure the best reception.
Marine radios are designed primarily for short-range communications, typically 5-10 miles. To communicate over long distances, you may need a satellite phone or a marine MF/HF radio. Marine radiotelephone equipment typically operates in the frequency range from 2 to 26 MHz using single-sideband emissions. Marine MF/HF radiotelephones can also be used to receive weather broadcasts on the high seas, and with the help of a computer and a special interface provided by some coast stations, e-mail can be sent over the Internet.
Marine VHF Radios and Other VHF Radios
ATTENTION! A marine VHF radio is different from other VHF radios used for land or airborne communications. Marine radios are specifically designed for communication on waterways. They are installed on all large ships and most small seagoing vessels, and on rivers and lakes - with slightly different regulations. Not all VHF radios are designed for marine use.
It is important that when on waterways you use two-way radios that are specifically approved for marine use. Other VHF radios should not be used as they will not have the correct frequency settings. Additionally, modern marine radios have other features, such as NOAA weather alert channels, that are not available on land mobile VHF radios.
Types of Radios for Yachts and Boats
VHF (Very High Frequency) Radios
These radios operate on frequencies from 156 to 174 MHz. They are most commonly used for marine communication over short distances, typically up to 60 miles. Ideal for day-to-day communication between vessels and coastal stations.
UHF (Ultra High Frequency) Radios
They operate on frequencies from 300 MHz to 3 GHz. While less common for marine communication compared to VHF, UHF radios can be useful in specific conditions, especially when communication through obstacles is required.
Satellite Radios
Provide communication capabilities almost anywhere in the world. They rely on a satellite network for transmitting and receiving data, making them perfect for yachts venturing on long voyages.
Shortwave Radios (SSB)
These radios operate in the shortwave range and can provide communication over long distances, sometimes thousands of miles. They are often used in transoceanic voyages.
Portable vs. Fixed Radios
Portable radios are perfect for personal use onboard, while fixed ones are directly installed on the vessel. Fixed radios are usually more powerful and have a broader range.
Main Features and Functions
Power and Communication range: Determines how far you can communicate using your radio.
Emergency Channels and Automatic Identification System (AIS): These channels and systems help in emergencies and for identifying nearby vessels.
Waterproof and weather-resistant: Essential features for marine conditions to ensure the device continues to function even in adverse weather conditions.
Built-in GPS: Allows for pinpointing your location and transmitting it to others if needed.
Digital functions and added features: Some modern radios offer additional functions such as text messaging or digital data transfer.