Totally agree with Lance on the K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) principal. Some of today's modern electronics are so complicated to use that you need a BA in computer science just to turn them on.
Your radio is your lifeline. Next to your PFD it's the singular most important piece of safety gear in your boat. (IMHO). So if one method of calling for help is good, more is better. I have a CB radio (Fuzzbuster) my Icom 25w VHF with DSP and a layover whip antenna, and my waterproof Uniden handheld VHF that's always on my person. (And of course my cell phone also).
I know that the VHF is the go to device to call for help, but it's amazing how many boaters out there still use CB radios. And since (if I'm in trouble) I want the greatest number of chances for help I still have one hooked up.
Couple all that with my tach, gas gauge, Raymarine radar/chartplotter/depthfinder/gps, and Lowrance depthfinder/gps, Ritchie compass and I'm good to go...
Oh, one other thing.... as I was taught in the Navy, nothing can replace the good old Mark 1 eyeball... so a good pair of Binoculars is always a good thing to have handy.
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1987 V20 w/1987 150HP Yamaha on a Shoreland'r Trailer
1978 16.5 Airslot w/1996 120HP Force on a Four Winns trailer
1996 V21 w/1993 200HP Mercury on a Shoreline Trailer
All towed by a 5.7L Hemi Durango.
If God didn't have a purpose for us we wouldn't be here, so
Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly.
(Leave the rest to God) 
Silence, in the face of evil, is itself evil. Not to speak is to speak, not to act is to act. God will not hold us guiltless.
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