I wanted a handheld VHF that floats. Icom makes some (like the M34) as does Standard Horizon. I chose the Standard Horizon HX750 for the price and the fact that it floats "on it's back" so you can see more of it while it's floating, vs the Icom which floats upside down (antenna facing down). The SH also comes with both an AC and a car power adapter which I like. I think tx power ratings are probably close. Both xlnt radios I've heard. the HX850 family models have integrated GPS recieverso that in a distress situation they will xmit the coordinates for you. My GPS is a handheld Garmin GPSMAP 76s (black & white screen. I found it new on eBay for less than $100. It has simple maps embedded with some navaids. It is the last of the models that have selectable downloadable maps instead of the memory card approach. It's OK, but goes through batteries quickly so spares are necessary for longer trips. I bought the very last edition of the BlueChart maps on CD; Garmin discontinued support for them. No substitue for paper charts, to be sure. I carry both. Neil The Garmin Oregon 400c also looks nice but it feels a little chunck in the hand.