I'm trying to figure out what handheld VHF radio to buy. I'll be mostly using it on the potomac river and only sometimes the chesapeak bay so a smaller handheld should be enough transmission power. Does anybody have any suggestions on brand or model?

I like the ICOM M72 handheld, although I haven't used one myself our Lake St. Clair marine patrol & local Coast Guard use them.

Ditto what Z06 said. I did a ton of research before buying my ICOM M72. It's one of the more highly recommended ones out there.

Just started going out on the river this year. I used to have a small jet boat and I'd just hang out on Lake Anna or really really North Potomac. Last year we bought a 22zx and we've been putting in at Leesylvania. There's so much more to do on the river rather than the lake. Last year I wanted to do the poker run at Tims but I had to go on my honeymoon instead. Apparently it couldn't wait. Have you heard what the date is for this year?

Haven't heard the date for the poker run at Tims, but the Coles Point poker run is June 21st. As far as handheld VHF, I use a Uniden Atlantis 250. It does all I need it to do and I think I paid about $120. I have also heard good things about the ICOM.

It's funny I just noticed you have Concept. My wife really doesnt like the lack of space in the Donzi and said she wanted something bigger. She was looking at some Chapparal or SeaRay cruiser that wasnt gonna work for me, ever. We just went to the Baltimore Boat show the other day and I got her hooked on the idea of a high performance center console with a cuddy.

Uniden MHS 350 bar none. best bang for the buck and 2 rechargeable bateries.