Marine

Two-Way Marine Radios for Commercial and Recreational Boats

Discount Two-Way Radio provides commercial grade, fully submersible VHF Marine Two-Way Radio equipment to both Private and Commercial Marine Operators.

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Marine VHF Radios Rated for Full Submersion, Not Just Spray

Marine two-way radios run on the VHF marine band, the dedicated frequency range boats use for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore calls, weather updates and hailing channels like 16. A land-based business radio can’t legally transmit on those channels, so a boat crew needs a unit built and certified for marine use.

On deck, a radio gets rained on, splashed by a wake and occasionally dropped overboard. We stock models rated IP67 or IPX7, meaning they survive full submersion in up to a meter of water, and several float if they go over the rail. Housings use corrosion-resistant materials so salt spray doesn’t seize the buttons or corrode the contacts after a season of use.

A weekend boater and a commercial fishing or towing crew need different things from a radio. Private operators usually want one or two waterproof handhelds for hailing the marina and checking weather channels, while commercial crews add a fixed VHF set at the helm alongside handhelds for the deck, such as the . RCA and Icom marine units cover both without the price jump that comes with some of the bigger marine electronics brands, so you get comparable range and durability for less.

Running a private boat or a commercial fleet, you need a marine radio that survives salt spray and keeps the helm connected to the deck and the dock. Our RCA and Icom marine units deliver that reliability without the premium price tag of some of the bigger marine electronics brands.

Regardless of your communication needs and budget restrictions, our large selection of RCA and Icom marine radio products will provide you with a solution that meets your requirements. We understand that your marine radios are on of the most important pieces of safety equipment on board. Discount Two-Way Radio’s experts are committed to help you select the right two-way radio for your needs, while staying within your budget.

NOT SURE WHICH TWO-WAY RADIO YOU NEED?

We’ll help you find affordable communication solutions that perfectly meet your needs, without the inflated prices, backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Crew Communication Has to Beat Engine Noise and Open-Deck Wind

On an open deck, wind and engine noise drown out a weak speaker fast. Marine handhelds pair a loud, clear speaker with a windproof microphone so a mate at the bow can hear an instruction from the helm without keying the radio twice. On larger vessels, a base station at the helm lets the captain reach every crew member without shouting down a companionway.

Ship-to-Shore Range Runs a Few Miles on a Handheld, Farther on a Fixed Mount

A handheld VHF radio typically reaches other vessels one to a few miles away, depending on antenna height and water conditions, since VHF signals travel line of sight. Mounting a base station with a taller antenna extends that ship-to-shore range well beyond a handheld, which matters if you’re checking in with a marina or a dispatcher from farther out. Private boaters hailing a nearby dock usually get by with a handheld, while commercial operators covering a wider stretch of water are the ones who add a base station at the helm.

Battery Life Decides Whether a Radio Lasts a Full Day at Sea

A radio that dies halfway through a charter or a full shift on the water is a safety problem, not just an inconvenience. We spec our marine handhelds for a full working day on a single charge and stock spare battery packs so a crew can swap and keep working instead of heading back to shore to recharge. Commercial operators running multiple shifts should keep a charged spare on board at all times.

Marine VHF Runs on Licensed Channels Business-Band Radios Can’t Use

Marine VHF channels are FCC-regulated maritime frequencies, separate from the business-band channels used for warehouse or job-site radios. Commercial vessels and boats required to carry a radio generally need an FCC ship station license tied to the vessel, while most recreational boaters using domestic marine channels don’t. That’s a different requirement than the licensing land-based crews deal with, so tell us whether you’re outfitting a boat or a shop floor and we’ll point you to the right radio.

Discount Two-Way Radio has outfitted commercial operators for more than 20 years, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee and free two-way shipping on every repair.

NOT SURE WHICH TWO-WAY RADIO YOU NEED?

We’ll help you find affordable communication solutions that perfectly meet your needs, without the inflated prices, backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee.

2way Radio

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We offer a wide selection of portable two-way radios in stock that will solve your school's communications needs, while ensuring your budget requirements are met. DTWR is commited to help make our schools a safer place for students, teachers and administrators.

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Mobile Radios are ideal for school staff who operate security vehicles and schools efficiently supervise bus loading and unloading, stay in touch with the drivers and track buses while en-route ensuring staff and students safety.

Campus-Wide Radio Coverage

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Increase the range of your two-way radios, eliminate "dead spots" and static transmissions. Our Specialists work with you to design a Complete, Reliable, Turnkey and Affordable solution to provide Campus-Wide coverage with as little effort as possible from you.

Two-Way Radio Express Repairs

Repair

It doesn't matter where you bought your radios...WE WILL FIX THEM! Our Low Priced, Flat Rate, Repair service is so fast, simple and easy that you'll have your radios back in your hands before your even know they were gone. We even cover the shipping, both ways!

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Site-Wide Radio Coverage

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A handheld starts losing signal once you're a couple of miles from the dock. Adding a marine base station at the helm extends ship-to-shore range so captains, dockhands and dispatch stay connected across the whole slip or a wider stretch of water.

Two-Way Radio Express Repairs

Repair

It doesn't matter where you bought your marine radio. Our flat-rate repair service gets a fixed mount or a handheld that took a wave back in your hands fast, and every repair ships back to you free, both ways.

Request a Quote

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Frequently Asked Questions About Marine Two-Way Radios

Do I need a handheld, a fixed mount, or both for my boat?

It depends on your vessel and crew. A single waterproof handheld covers most private boats, since one radio at the helm reaches the dock and nearby traffic. Once you're running a crew across a larger boat or a commercial vessel, pair a fixed mount at the helm with a handheld for whoever is on deck, so the person up front isn't stuck yelling to be heard.

Can I use the same radio for boating and for work on land?

No, not the same radio. Marine VHF handsets are locked to maritime channels and can't transmit on the business-band frequencies land crews use for a warehouse or job site, so if you need both, plan on a marine radio for the boat and a separate business-band unit for shore-side work. Call us and we'll match a radio to each job in the same order.

Will RCA or Icom marine radios work alongside the Motorola radios we already run?

Yes. You don't need to replace an existing fleet to add marine coverage. RCA and Icom marine units can run alongside what you already have without locking you into one brand for future purchases, and our team will confirm channel compatibility with your current radios before you order.