West Marine VHF160
Best reliable communication for budget conscious boaters.
The West Marine VHF160 is a floating 6W handheld VHF radio designed for marine communication. It features a glow-in-the-dark power key and seals for easy nighttime location. The radio includes an emergency strobe light, all marine VHF channels, NOAA emergency weather alert, and multiple scanning modes. Its rugged IPX8 waterproof rating ensures durability, and it floats for easy retrieval if dropped overboard. The polycarbonate chassis is both strong and lightweight. It comes with a comprehensive accessory kit, including an auxiliary battery tray and charging adapters.
$139.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.0
/ 5
Category Rank
304
/ 323
#304 in Two-Way Radios
Price vs Category Average
-72%
Below average
Battery Life
12
/ Hours
Who it's for
- Boaters needing a rugged, weather-resistant communication device.
- Sailors and kayakers concerned about losing gear in the water.
- New boaters or anyone preferring straightforward, no-fuss communication.
Who should skip it
- Safety-conscious mariners requiring automatic distress signaling and position reporting.
- Offshore cruisers or those needing extensive communication reach.
- Tech-savvy boaters desiring comprehensive features and modern integrations.
Key Specs
Battery Life
12 Hours
Battery Type
Lithium-Ion
Dimensions
2 3/8" Width x 5 5/8" Height x 1 11/16" Depth
Features
Weather Alert
Floating
Yes
Material
Polycarbonate
Scanning Modes
Memory Scan, Dual-Watch, Tri-Watch, Quad-Watch
Transmit Power
6/2.5/1 Watt
Features
- Glow-in-the-dark power key and seals
- Emergency strobe light
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- Floats for easy retrieval
- Large, easy-to-read segmented LCD screen
- Power Boost Key for 6-watt transmitting power
- Includes auxiliary battery tray
- All marine VHF channels
What customers say
Customers frequently praise the West Marine VHF160 for its straightforward operation and excellent value. Many users appreciate the intuitive controls and clear display, making it easy to navigate essential functions even for those new to marine radios. Its competitive price point often highlights it as a smart choice for boaters seeking reliable communication without a premium cost. While some advanced users might desire more features, the consistent feedback points to a solid, dependable unit that delivers on its core promise of accessible, affordable marine communication.
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Ready to buy?
$140