Despite the difference in their capabilities, CB radios and marine radios both help you communicate with emergency personnel. While they use different frequencies, both radios can be useful when you’re on a large outing. Having one on board your boat is essential for safety.
Marine radios use VHF Frequency Modulation (VHFFM) to communicate. While these radios operate at around 26 to 30 MHz, CBs use a different frequency range and have a higher power limit. A typical CB antenna can only receive a maximum of four watts.
While CB radios are a good option for many mariners, they have some limitations. They need a large antenna, and the 27 MHz band is notorious for radio signal interference. A VHF radio, on the other hand, is compact and portable. It also allows you to communicate with other vessels, marinas, bridges, and the United States Coast Guard in an instant.
There are other differences between the two types of radios. Marine radios are made for marine environments. They can be installed in a boat or motor vehicle, but they’re not recommended for road trips. However, if you’re looking for something simple, you might want to consider a hand held marine radio. While a full-sized whip antenna is not appropriate for a boat radio, a smaller one can be used in an emergency.
A marine radio is an important piece of safety equipment for every boat. It’s available in many forms, from handheld models to GPS-equipped models. It’s also possible to purchase waterproof models.
Uniden PRO520XL Pro Series 40-Channel CB Radio. Compact Design. ANL Switch and PA/CB Switch. 7 Watts of Audio Output and Instant Emergency Channel 9. - Black
$70.49 (as of February 22, 2026 05:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Cobra HHRT50 Road Trip CB Radio - 2-Way Handheld Emergency Radio with Access to Full 40 Channels & NOAA Alerts, Rooftop Magnet Mount Antenna and Omni-Directional Microphone, Black, 6.3" x 2" x 1.75"
$119.95 (as of February 22, 2026 05:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Midland 75-822 Handheld CB Radio & Mobile CB Radio – Walkie Talkie with 40 Channels, NOAA Weather Alerts, Long Range, Compatible with CB Antennas
$99.99 (as of February 22, 2026 05:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Retevis MB4 DIN AM/FM CB Radio with Cigarette Lighter Plug,12V/24V Auto-Adaptive, 2-Way Noise Reduction,2W Speaker,PA System,Full Mounting Kit Trucker Radio for Long Haul Trucker & Off-Road Emergency
$114.99 (as of February 22, 2026 05:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Uniden PC68LTX 40-Channel CB Radio with PA/CB Switch, RF Gain and Mic Gain Control, Analog S/RF Meter, Instant Channel 9, Automatic Noise Limiter, and Hi-Cut Switch,Silver
$117.12 (as of February 22, 2026 05:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Texas Ranger TRE-2627 CB Base Station Radio 40 Channel AM/SSB AC/DC Dual Power 120V/13.8V 6-Digit Frequency Counter Automatic SWR Calibration & LED Alert NB/ANL/GNF Noise Filters Roger Beep & Talkback
$498.97 (as of February 22, 2026 05:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Full Pixels for YAESU FT-857/857D LCD Replacement Part 'Zebra Stripes' Issue Full Pixels
$69.99 (as of February 22, 2026 05:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Comet HD-5NMO Heavy-Duty RS-840 Lip Mount with NMO Base – 16′6″ Low-Loss Coax, Multi-Plane Adjustable, Paint-Safe Design
$93.99 (as of February 22, 2026 05:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Uniden BEARCAT 980 40- Channel SSB CB Radio with Sideband NOAA WeatherBand,7- Color Digital Display PA/CB Switch and Noise Cancelling Mic, Wireless Mic Compatible
$195.96 (as of February 22, 2026 05:32 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)