Below and attached is a list of radios capable of “hearing” VHF Marine Radio traffic. This list contains the model number, notable features, MSRP and prices from other various dealers along with a link the product on the manufacturer’s and various dealer’s websites. I’ve only listed the most economic models because one does not need a whole bunch of extra features for just listening to marine traffic. Also, there is a plethora of vintage and older models, but I’ve chosen to only list models that are currently on the market…

…Transceivers-These radios can talk as well as receive on Marine Channels. However, it is extremely illegal to transmit on them if one is on land (without specific permission) or if one interferes with any marine operations while on water (or land.)

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Radio: Uniden MHS75
Special features: Waterproof to JIS8 Level.
MSRP: $99.99

Manufacturer Link: https://www.uniden.com/marine/id-MHS75/MHS75_Submersible_Handheld_Two-Way_VHF_Marine_Radio
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Radio: Uniden Atlantis 250-BK
Special features: Entry Level (lowest price Uniden), Waterproof to JIS4 Level
MSRP: $89.99
Wal Mart Price: $70.17

Manufacturer Link: https://www.uniden.com/marine/id-ATLANTIS250-BK/ATLANTIS_250-BK_Handheld_Two-Way_VHF_Marine_Radio

Wal Mart Link: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Uniden-Atlantis-Hand-Held-2-Way-VHF-Marine-Radio/8111411
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Radio: Cobra MR HH125
Special features: Entry level (lowest price Cobra) Waterproof (exact depth unknown), can be run on AAA Alkaline batteries in a pinch.
MSRP: $69.95
West Marine Price: $59.99
Wal Mart Price: $39.41

Manufacturer Link: http://shop.cobra.com/products/productdetail/MR+HH125-+3+Watt+Waterproof+Handheld+VHF/part_number=MR%20HH125/15730.0.1.1.1063486.27888.0.0.0?pp=24&

West Marine Link: http://www.westmarine.com/buy/cobra-electronics–mr-hh125-3-watt-waterproof-handheld-vhf-black–10230498

Wal Mart Link: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cobra-Marine-VHF-Hand-Held-Radio/11018926
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Radio: Cobra MR HH350
Special features: Floats if dropped in water, also in white, Gets weather alerts.
MSRP: $99.95
West Marine Price: $99.95

Manufacturer Link: http://shop.cobra.com/p/mr-hh350-6-watt-floating-vhf-radio?pp=24

West Marine Link: http://www.westmarine.com/buy/cobra-electronics–hh350-handheld-floating-6-watt-vhf-radio–14781611
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Radio: Standard Horizon HX-150
Special features: Rugged, Floats, Waterproof to IPX7 standard, Gets weather alerts.
MSRP:?
West Marine Price: $99.99

Manufacturer Link: http://standardhorizon.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=85&encProdID=3211805A90B55C7DE1A0CCA94A38DBB8&DivisionID=3&isArchived=0

West Marine Link: http://www.westmarine.com/buy/standard-horizon–hx150-floating-handheld-vhf-radio–14272991
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Radio: Standard Horizon HX-290
Special features: Rugged, Floats, Waterproof to IPX8 standard, Glow in the dark strip to write owner name on, This is the radio Jen and I use.
MSRP:?
West Marine Price: $129.99

Manufacturer Link: http://standardhorizon.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=85&encProdID=43176D11CC8DF3B49149D8AF658C0CC3&DivisionID=3&isArchived=0

West Marine Link:http://www.westmarine.com/buy/standard-horizon–hx290-floating-handheld-vhf-radio–12008231
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Radio: West Marine VHF75 (house brand)
Special features: Waterproof to IPX7, floats, long life Lithium Ion battery (11 hours.)
Price: $119.99
Link: http://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine–vhf75-floating-6w-handheld-vhf-radio–15155781

Try searching these model numbers online on Google to find and compare other prices.
Also try Ebay, but I would reccomend getting one in a new unopened package..
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…Scanners…

These radios CANNOT transmit at all. They also typically cost more and are sometimes harder to find. Their antennas are designed for general coverage and not specifically for VHF Marine so they won’t be as sensitive (less receiving distance) or loud either. However, you can listen to other communications with them beside VHF marine. Sometimes they can be tedious to program as well. Also, there is absolutely no chance of a child getting a hold of one and accidentally interfering with marine operations.
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Radio: Uniden BC75XLT
MSRP: $99.99
Uniden Factory Outlet Price: $89.99
Scanner Master Price: $82.95
Wal Mart Price: $76.66
Special features: Dedicated Marine search (also dedicated railroad search.) 300 Channel memory. Detects nearby transmissions without knowing the frequency. I use this model for both train watching and boat watching (among other things.) It’s difficult for beginners to operate though.
Manufacturer’s Link: https://www.uniden.com/scanner/id-BC75XLT/BC75XLT_300-Channel_Handheld_Scanner

Uniden Factory Outlet Link: http://udn.factoryoutletstore.com/cat/1354-60210/Uniden-Scanners.html?cid=82976&chid=4282

Scanner Master Link: http://www.scannermaster.com/Uniden_Bearcat_BC75XLT_Police_Scanner_p/10-501827.htm?gdftrk=gdfV24250_a_7c1511_a_7c9651_a_7c10_d_501827

Wal Mart Link: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Uniden-Bearcat-300-Channel-Handheld-Scanner-with-Antenna/22306712

Also try Ebay.
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Radio: Radio Shack Pro 649
Special features: One touch marine search button. 200 channel memory. Weather alerts. Entry level (cheapest Radio Shack Scanner.)
MSRP $119.99
Link: http://www.radioshack.com/radioshack-pro-649-200-channel-handheld-radio-scanner/2000649.html
Also try searching Ebay for a Radio Shack Pro 82 or Pro 404 which were the predecessor models to this one. I advise getting one of those as new old stock in mint condition if you decide to go that route.
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