For an inexpensive unit it's a good quality radio.

Delivery was rapid, it well packaged and arrived in good order.

Installation is the usual hang the bracket and two knurled nuts, it took the electrician less than 10 minutes to have it fully operational.

Range appears consistent with the lower helm unit, both operating through identical antennas.

The nice bonus is that this radio, as well as DSC has a GPS display built in, activate as needed.

Construction of the unit is good, seals appeared to fit well, and a biggie for us, the handset is simple, three well spaced buttons and a transmit key. As Hubby has a tremor this is critical, it also means for an average user there's little chance of hitting the wrong thing by accident.

Good solid functional little radio who's performance so far is exceeding its price point.

The only negative is the minor digit display size, not an issue with perfect or good eyesight but as one ages and glasses are a must, or the vessel is in heavy seas it could be noticeable. The major digit display size is fine, you'll alway know what channel you're on. At this price, perhaps we're being overly critical, but it's only our opinion.

This Cobra MRF45D was super easy to install and setup. The channel control on the handset is a great feature along with the 16/9 quick button. The distress feature button with the protective cover, to prevent unwanted activation is a great idea when you are in a hurry and need help. Clean look, speaker is nice and loud. Radio check response from 5 miles away loud and clear. Will test further when out on Lake St. Clair. Weather band picks up 2 local bands (1 in Southfield, MI and 1 in Ontario, Canada) Highly recommend this product. You won't be disappointed. I will be looking to add the GPS option as well.

Unit was installed on boat and first trip out started on fire. After putting fire out on the boat and rewiring it still worked except the GPS part of it.
The unit was installed with the positive and negative wires exposed on the ends. When another issue happened and went to fix it the wires touched and started we have a fire!! NOT ITEM'S FAULT.
point is it stilled worked for talking a receiving.

I use this radio with the Cobra CM 300-004 antenna to monitor marine traffic, weather reports and local sea conditions. I'm located 6 miles (as the crow fly's) inland on the Toms River, NJ. At this time of the year (November) you don't hear too much traffic other than USCG and some 'Chew'. During the Spring and Summer I receive a lot of ship to ship and chatter on fishing conditions between boaters. I have it installed in my 'Over 55 10 x 9 Quarters' on a small 13.8v 6 amp power supply/converter. My reception begins to fad a little as the foliage begins in the early summer. For what I am doing and the $money$ I like the radio! I really do!! I recommend it for the budget minded Mariner! I'm in the process of hooking up my Magellan Triton and/or Explorist to it to display GPS coordinates. I'll keep you posted on that as soon as I get the cable from Magellan.

Had trouble getting units to power up. Looks like the problem is in my power supply. Customer service was very patient and helpful.