Vhf radios

I want to do some coastal fishing but common sense tells me I would be smart to buy a vhf radio with a beacon in case of the worst case scenario .
Does anyone have any suggestions on an affordable yet quality set up ?

ur common sense is doing u well.  along with a gps or fish finder with gps and flying some sort of safety flag and wearing my drysuit along with a pfd, if i were looking for another i would go for this one,  http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-HH350-FLT-Floating-Radio/dp/B00DR2WJE8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1435894812&sr=8-3&keywords=floating+vhf+radio

I'm a fan of standard horizon. I've been using a HX290 for 4years and have beat on it pretty well, still works great. They make a number of units that would all be good options. The hx280, 290, 400, 851, 870.  I wouldn't worry about the floating units as you should really have it tethered to your pfd. The 851 and 870 have DSC, which is basically an emergency locator that sends your position directly to the Coast Guard if pressed. Good piece of mind but not required.

 ICOM and Standard Horizon both make good stuff.

Oh and get floating,  I've seen tethers fail a few times due to stupid shit that just happens.  Better safe than sorry.

Oh and get floating,  I've seen tethers fail a few times due to stupid shit that just happens.  Better safe than sorry.

This is a 50/50 thing. Personally I would rather a smaller radio with more battery life than a larger lighter radio with less battery life. Put it on a good tether and it will always be there.

Well after lots of research I think I'm gonna get the standard horizon hx870 . mainly because I want to have the ability of sending my location to coast guard in case of emergency . I was gonna get the hx290 because of the reviews saying it was great and the price is nice . I guess I'm gonna spend the extra $100 and get the hx870 . even though I may only use it a few times a year . but having the radio may encourage me to venture into the salt water more especially if I can get some paddling partners to meet up at the boat launch in bookings .