Are these the same, or are they different?  I do not have either in my boat, do I need to?  We fish smaller lakes, no big water...............as of yet.  Are there hand held models available, or what is my cheapest option?

Thanks

I just have a basic NOAA radio just in case I need wx info... but usually I just pull up a radar/satellite/temp site on my iPhone.

A marine radio, though, allows you two-way communication on the channel designated for marine use (but some will, of course, have access to the weather broadcasts as well).  Don't think it's a big deal for smaller lakes but a must-have in the ocean!

I have an Icom hand held radio. There is a channel dedicated to the weather forecasts. I only use it when I venture out on Lake Michigan, and thats primarily for the weather. Lake Michigan can turn on you in a heartbeat.

I don't know where you'll be using it but cheaper radios don't have as far a broadcast range as a more expensive radio.

If you mostly fish small water your cheapest option is your cell phone, and chec the weather before you go out.

If you fish Lk. Michigan, Erie, or any big water, a marine radio is a must! They have dedicated channels for weather as well as emergencies. They are a VHF radio, so you can also communicate with other boats. They are not expensive and may be an alternative to just relying on a cell phone.

If you fish Lk. Michigan, Erie, or any big water, a marine radio is a must! They have dedicated channels for weather as well as emergencies. They are a VHF radio, so you can also communicate with other boats. They are not expensive and may be an alternative to just relying on a cell phone.

I installed a Marine VHF radio in my Bass Boat because I fish lake Okeechobee and Santee-Cooper Lakes. A group of us fish these lakes each year and all have radios installed so we can communicate. These lakes are not where you want to spend the night if you have a problem.

For local lakes and most inland waters VHF radios are not necessary. However a NOAA weather radio from Wal-Mart would be nice(and cheap) as they receive weather updates...................Al

I have VHF radio in my boat and I'd never be without it. My buddy has one on his boat too, and we can communicate with each other anywhere on the lake. Also, I've broken down a couple times on the water and hailed Vessel Assist on emergency channel 16. They were there within 15 minutes each time to tow me back to the ramp. I also have BoatU.S. unlimited towing so the tow was free. I have a basic radio and 4 foot antenna, cost total for each was @ $100.

A cell phone is all but worthless on our canyon lakes here in Arizona.