6 Best Compact FRS Marine Radios For Dinghy Use That Sailors Swear By

Your dinghy engine sputters and dies, the wind is pushing you away from your anchored boat, and your cell phone has no signal. This isn’t a hypothetical disaster film; it’s a very real Tuesday for a cruiser who isn’t prepared. In these moments, a small, waterproof handheld radio isn’t a gadget—it’s your lifeline.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Why a VHF Radio is an Essential Dinghy Tool

A handheld VHF is more than just an emergency device. Think of it as your dinghy’s command center. It’s how you call the mothership to say you’re heading back, coordinate with a friend in another dinghy, or contact a marina for a slip assignment before you even reach the dock. It’s for listening to weather updates on the WX channels to decide if that squall is heading your way.

Many people think their smartphone is a good enough backup. It isn’t. Cell service is spotty at best once you’re a few hundred yards from shore and completely nonexistent further out. A VHF radio, on the other hand, connects you directly to the Coast Guard, other boats, and shore stations within a range of several miles.

Relying on a phone for marine safety is like bringing a squirt gun to a firefight. A proper marine VHF is purpose-built for the harsh, wet environment you’ll be in. It’s waterproof, built to be dropped, and its battery is designed to last when you need it most. It’s a non-negotiable piece of gear for anyone taking a dinghy beyond swimming distance of the main boat.

Standard Horizon HX890: Feature-Packed Reliability

When you need a radio that does everything well, the HX890 is the go-to. It has a built-in GPS, which is crucial for its Digital Selective Calling (DSC) function. This lets you press a single distress button that automatically sends your identity and exact location to the Coast Guard and other DSC-equipped vessels. It’s the single most important safety feature on a modern VHF.

The HX890 is a workhorse. It feels solid in your hand, the screen is large and easy to read, and the 6 watts of transmit power give you excellent range. It also includes an FM broadcast radio receiver, which is a nice touch for listening to music or news when you’re on shore.

This isn’t the smallest or lightest radio on the list, and that’s the point. It’s built for serious use. For cruisers who use their dinghy for exploration, fishing, or long runs to shore in unfamiliar territory, the HX890’s blend of powerful features and rugged reliability is worth every ounce.

Icom M25: Slim, Lightweight, and It Floats

The Icom M25’s standout feature is immediately obvious: it’s incredibly slim and light. In a cramped dinghy where every bit of space matters, or when clipped to your life vest, its minimal bulk is a huge advantage. It doesn’t feel like a brick hanging off your belt.

But its best party trick is the Float’n Flash feature. If you drop it overboard, it not only floats but also activates a flashing red LED light, making it easy to spot and retrieve, day or night. This simple feature has saved countless radios from a watery grave. Another huge plus is its USB charging port, allowing you to charge it with the same power bank you use for your phone, simplifying your electrical life.

The M25 makes a slight tradeoff in features for its sleek design. It lacks the integrated GPS and DSC capabilities of more advanced models. However, for sailors who primarily need a reliable, easy-to-use link back to the mothership or for short-range communication, its portability and clever design are hard to beat.

Cobra MR HH350: A Powerful and Buoyant Value

The Cobra HH350 hits the sweet spot between performance and price. It delivers a full 6 watts of power for maximum range, it floats, and it has a high-visibility orange core so you can easily spot it in the water. For the cost, it’s an incredibly capable and reliable piece of equipment.

One of its most practical features is Cobra’s "BURP" function. If the speaker gets waterlogged from spray or a dunking, you just push a button and it vibrates to shake the water out, instantly restoring clear audio. It’s a simple, brilliant solution to a common problem.

While it doesn’t have GPS or DSC, it does everything a basic marine radio needs to do, and it does it well. For the weekend sailor or the cruiser on a budget who needs a dependable dinghy radio without paying for top-tier features they won’t use, the HH350 is an outstanding choice. It proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a safe, effective tool.

Uniden MHS75: Rugged Simplicity for Any Weather

Sometimes, the best tool is the simplest one. The Uniden MHS75 is built on this principle. It’s a compact, tough-as-nails radio with an IPX8 waterproof rating, meaning it can handle being submerged in deeper water for longer. It’s designed to be used, abused, and still work when you need it.

There are no complex menus to navigate in a panic. The buttons are large, the grip is secure, and the operation is intuitive. This is the radio you can hand to anyone on the boat and know they’ll be able to use it to call for help. It’s all about core functionality.

The MHS75 is perfect for the sailor who values durability and ease of use above all else. It forgoes advanced features like GPS in favor of rock-solid construction and straightforward operation. If your primary need is a reliable voice link that can survive being dropped, soaked, and knocked around in a dinghy, this is your radio.

Icom M94D: Top-Tier Safety with Built-In AIS

The Icom M94D is in a class of its own, and it’s for one primary reason: it has a built-in AIS receiver. AIS (Automatic Identification System) allows you to "see" other large vessels on your radio’s screen. You can view their name, course, and speed, which is an incredible safety advantage in busy harbors, shipping channels, or foggy conditions.

This feature transforms your handheld from a simple communication device into a powerful situational awareness tool. Being able to see a ferry or container ship on your screen long before you can spot it visually can be life-saving. The M94D also includes the critical GPS and DSC functionality, making it the most feature-rich safety device on this list.

Of course, this advanced capability comes at a higher price and a larger size. The M94D is the bulkiest radio here. But for the serious cruiser who takes their dinghy on long exploratory trips or navigates high-traffic areas, the investment in an AIS receiver is a game-changer that provides an unparalleled level of safety.

Standard Horizon HX40: The Ultra-Compact Option

If your main priority is size, the Standard Horizon HX40 is the answer. This thing is tiny—about the size of a deck of cards—and it can disappear into a pocket or a small dry bag. For quick trips to the beach or a run into the village market, its minimal size and weight are a massive benefit.

Despite its small stature, it doesn’t skimp on power, offering a full 6 watts of transmission output. It also has an IPX7 waterproof rating and even includes an FM broadcast radio receiver. It’s a surprisingly capable little unit.

The tradeoff for its micro size is a smaller battery and a more compact screen. It’s not designed for all-day expeditions. But for those who want a "no excuses" radio that is so small and light you’ll always be willing to carry it, the HX40 is the perfect solution. It ensures you have a reliable VHF on you, even when you’re just popping ashore for an hour.

Key Features to Compare in Your Dinghy Radio

Choosing the right radio comes down to matching its features to your specific needs. Don’t just buy the one with the longest feature list; buy the one with the features you will actually use. Focus on these key areas.

• Floating & Waterproofing: This is non-negotiable for dinghy use. Look for a radio that floats, preferably with a bright color. An IPX7 rating (submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes) is the minimum standard; IPX8 is even better.
• GPS & DSC: A built-in GPS enables Digital Selective Calling. This allows you to send a one-touch digital distress signal with your exact coordinates. This is arguably the most important safety feature available and is highly recommended for anyone venturing out of sight of the mothership.
• AIS Receiver: This is a premium feature found on models like the Icom M94D. It lets you see commercial traffic and other AIS-equipped boats on your screen. It’s a huge safety boost in busy areas but adds significant cost and bulk.
• Power & Battery: Most handhelds offer selectable power, up to 5 or 6 watts. Higher power means greater range. Pay close attention to battery life and charging options. A radio that can be charged via a standard USB cable is a huge convenience in a small-living environment.
• Size & Ergonomics: How does it feel in your hand? Can you operate the buttons with wet or cold fingers? A super-compact radio is great for carrying but may have a smaller screen and battery. Find the balance that works for you.

Ultimately, the best dinghy radio is the one you have with you and know how to use. Whether you need a simple, rugged unit for short shore runs or a feature-packed device with AIS for exploring busy waterways, the right tool is out there. Don’t treat it as an accessory; treat it as the essential piece of safety equipment it is.