I do not recommend buying this radio. This is the second one I bought, and both mics stick. The squelch doesn't seem to work right and radio always makes noise. Terrible for a hunting radio.

Save your money and buy a brand name Marine radio. TheRetevis RA27 interferes with Garmin chart plotters. Although this radio was installed on a separate circuit, independent of the Garmin system, when energized the Garmin chart plotter would drop it’s satellite connection. The. Retevis RA27 will receive latitude and longitude when operated alone, as well, the Garmin system, but will not work simultaneously in the same vessel. This problem never existed before installing the. Retevis RA27. Also, the 30 day warranty was too short of time to install and test the radio so I had no option to return it. Beware.

I previously wrote a review for the Retevis RM40, which seems to be the "little sister" of this model, the RM27. The front panel display and buttons work exactly the same, which is useful if you're going to have multiple radios.I really like this radio, it looks, feels, and operates like the big-brand (and big-price) marine radios, with DSC and GPS (including the emergency distress button). The volume is loud and clear, the display and keypad are easy to use. If you want or need an external speaker, there's a connector for that, however you'll need to find the correct connector to plug into it (or cut it and use your own connector, but the programming cable uses the same connector).I do wish the microphone had a connector at the front panel so it could be removed and stored away (eg leaving the boat on a dock for a while) -- but from what I see, all the other marine radios also have a molded, non-detachable microphone.Overall, it's solid, great value for the features. In my opinion, every boat on the water should have a VHF marine radio, and know how to use it.You need to get yourself an MMSI number assigned from the correct authority (For a US resident non-commercial use, go to boatus.com, but if you'll ever be outside the US or for boats required to carry VHF, you're supposed to go through FCC). You can program your MMSI number exactly ONCE, and the radio will prompt you every time you turn it on. Once your MMSI is entered, international rules require it be locked in, and the only way to change it is with involvement from from the manufactuer. For this radio, if you search you'll find the procedure to clear the MMSI. Or, you can get free Windows software, but you need a USB cable (about $40 directly from Retevis). I find the software is also easier to change radio settings, add individual or group ID's, etc -- and it's also good for keeping multiple radios set up exactly the same.

Works great

Great features for the price and well built. I have complete confidence in this unit. It connects to GPS and input of personal emergency call numbers was simple.