That deal was for a West Marine brand labeled VHF 550 or 650 and get a Mariner 8300 VHF Antenna for $1. But, that sale is over. It ended 3/30/08
I've always used either Standard Horizon or ICOM in the past. I just picked up this Ray54. Looks like it'll be a decent unit.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...rineVHF007.jpg

West Marine deal
 

Hey I actually took advantage of that sale at west marine last wekk. It was buy a VHF radio, get an antenna for $1. Total came out to be $160 with tax and all for the antenna and radio. Before they entered the discount into the computer it was $226 for both. Thats a good deal in my book. Of course i only stopped in west marine to get an antenna mount for my AM/FM antenna, but how can you pass on a deal like that. Its a good radio also, west marine rebrands Uniden as there own radios, so its quality built. Even has the channel selectors in the microphone, as well as being able to hook up to a GPS system.

Great deal! I just wish someone I knew told me about it!! :bat::bat::bat::bat::bat:

ICOM, period.
Reliable, inexpensive, lasting, user friendly, and pretty.
And dont forget, if you get a small ( low end ) unit, get an external speaker for it, you will love the sound from it.
Juan

I would spend more time looking into a good antenna then the radio. All radios are limited to transmit 25 watts so you need to make sure you get an antenna that will put the most of the enery to use instead of wasting it. :drool:

Get a Shakespeare antenna.

I have the Shakespere 5102 and have talked to people 70 miles away like they were right next to me.

I also have the Icom 422, which I am very plaese with. :love:

I have to get a antenna soon, the boat came with a ICOM Radio and it seems to work fine. But the antenna was broke.
Mine will be going on top of the Hard top when it gets here.

I heard Galaxi was good, but I am going to look at the Shakespeare as they are much easier to find around here./

Macojoe, pull the Icom out if you can, and take the volume and squelch knobs out, and throw a couple of drops of Corrosion-X or the like on the knobs shafts, then put some vaseline on the shaft before you put the knobs back in place. Also spray the back of the radio with Corr-X. This will make your VHF last a long time. Mine is an M-56, about 15 years old, and still works like new. Most VHF`s die because water gets into their guts. Remember to NEVER-EVER use WD-40 around your boat electronics.
Juan