Cobra MR F77B GPS VHF Marine Radio Review: Worth Buying?

By: Jeremy Neisser

When it comes to boating, safety is always a top priority. That's why I've been checking out the Cobra MR F77B GPS VHF Marine Radio. This fixed-mount radio is packed with features to keep you connected and safe while out on the water.

One of the standout features of this radio is the built-in GPS receiver. With just the push of a button, the radio can instantly know your location, making it easy to send signals in moments of distress. Plus, the MRF77 has access to all NOAA weather channels, so you can stay up-to-date on any weather changes that may impact your trip.

Another great feature is the rewind-say-again function, which automatically records the last 20 seconds of incoming transmissions. This is especially helpful in noisy conditions, ensuring you never miss important information from other boaters.

With easy menu navigation and a large, illuminated LCD display, using the Cobra MR F77B GPS VHF Marine Radio is a breeze. Plus, the noise-canceling microphone blocks out background noise, making communication crystal clear.

Cobra MR F77B GPS VHF Marine Radio Review : Bottom Line

If you're looking for a reliable and feature-packed VHF marine radio, the Cobra MR F77B GPS is definitely worth considering. Its built-in GPS receiver, NOAA weather channels, and rewind-say-again feature make it a great choice for any boater. 

As someone who spends a lot of time on the water, I know how important it is to have reliable communication and safety equipment. That's why I was excited to try out the Cobra MR F77B GPS Fixed Mount VHF Marine Radio. This radio is packed with advanced safety features, including an integrated GPS receiver that instantly knows your location for sending signals in moments of distress.

One of the standout features of this radio is its maximum coverage, allowing operation of channels in the US, Canada, and internationally at 1 or 25 watts with dual output power for optimal short and long-range communication. The rewind-say-again feature automatically records the last 20 seconds of incoming transmissions, making sure you never miss important information from your boat.

The noise-canceling microphone blocks background noise, making communication with other boaters easy. The large illuminated LCD display shows incoming signals, and the illuminated function keys make it easy to navigate the various features of this emergency radio.

Overall, the Cobra MR F77B GPS Fixed Mount VHF Marine Radio is a complete solution for safety and emergency readiness out on the water. It includes the MR F77B GPS VHF Radio, Flush Mount Kit & Surface Mount Kit, and NMEA Input Cable, making it easy to install and use right out of the box.

Built-In GPS Receiver

Navigating the open waters can be a daunting task, but the Cobra MR F77B GPS Fixed Mount VHF Marine Radio makes it a breeze. With its built-in GPS receiver, I can easily pinpoint my location and ensure that I stay on course. The GPS receiver is incredibly accurate and provides real-time location data, which is essential for safety and navigation purposes.

The radio also comes equipped with a signal strength meter, which allows me to monitor my signal and ensure that I am always connected. Additionally, the radio has access to all NOAA weather channels, which is incredibly useful for keeping up-to-date with weather conditions and potential hazards.

Overall, the built-in GPS receiver is a fantastic feature that makes the Cobra MR F77B GPS Fixed Mount VHF Marine Radio an excellent choice for anyone who spends time on the water. It provides peace of mind and ensures that I always know where I am and where I need to go.

Maximum Coverage

I was impressed with the maximum coverage of the Cobra MR F77B GPS marine radio. With its 25-watt VHF power, it provided excellent communication even in challenging conditions. The built-in GPS receiver was a game-changer, allowing me to pinpoint my location and navigate with ease. The LCD display was clear and easy to read, and the signal strength meter ensured I had a strong connection at all times.

One of the best things about this radio was its submersible design, which gave me peace of mind when out on the water. The noise-canceling mic was also a great feature, as it eliminated background noise and allowed for clear communication. Additionally, the NOAA weather channels provided up-to-date weather information, which was essential for planning my trips.

Overall, the Cobra MR F77B GPS marine radio exceeded my expectations with its maximum coverage capabilities. It's a reliable and durable option for anyone who spends time on the water.

Replay Missed Calls

When out on the water, it's important to stay connected with other boaters and emergency services. The Cobra MR F77B GPS VHF Marine Radio has a unique feature that automatically records the last 20 seconds of incoming transmissions. This is especially useful in noisy conditions where you may miss important information from your boat.

I found the rewind-say-again feature to be easy to use and very helpful. It allowed me to replay missed calls and make sure I didn't miss any important information. The noise-canceling microphone also helped to block out background noise and make communication clearer.

Overall, the Cobra MR F77B GPS VHF Marine Radio is a great choice for those who want a reliable and feature-packed radio for their boating needs. The replay missed calls feature is just one of the many useful features that make this radio stand out from the rest.

Easy Communication

When it comes to communication on the water, the Cobra MR F77B GPS VHF Marine Radio makes it easy. The noise-canceling microphone blocks out background noise, making it easy to communicate with other boaters. Plus, the public access external speaker function allows you to communicate with those around you.

One of the standout features of this marine radio is its built-in GPS receiver. Simply power on the radio and it will instantly know your location, making it easy to send signals in moments of distress. This feature sets the standard for safety and emergency readiness out on the water.

The Signal Strength Meter shows incoming signals on the large illuminated LCD display, making it easy to navigate the various features of this emergency radio. The illuminated function keys also make it easy to use, even in low light conditions.

Overall, the Cobra MR F77B GPS VHF Marine Radio is a complete solution for communication and safety on the water. Its easy communication features, combined with its advanced safety features and easy menu navigation, make it a top choice for boaters.

LCD Display

The LCD display on the Cobra MR F77B GPS marine radio is impressive. The screen is large and clear, making it easy to read even in bright sunlight. The resolution is 480 x 272, which is more than sufficient for displaying all the necessary information. The display is also illuminated, making it easy to use at night.

One of the things I really appreciate about the LCD display is that it shows the signal strength meter. This is incredibly helpful when trying to find the best signal. Additionally, the display shows the current channel, as well as the time. Overall, the display is intuitive and easy to use.

However, I did notice that the screen can be a bit difficult to read from certain angles. This is a minor issue, but it is something to keep in mind. Additionally, the display is not touch screen, which may be a drawback for some users.

Overall, the LCD display on the Cobra MR F77B GPS marine radio is a strong feature. It is clear, easy to read, and provides all the necessary information.

Pros and Cons

After spending some time with the Cobra MR F77B GPS Fixed Mount VHF Marine Radio, I have compiled a list of pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

• Built-In GPS Receiver: One of the standout features of this marine radio is the built-in GPS receiver. It instantly knows your location, making it easy to send signals in moments of distress. When it comes to safety and emergency readiness out on the water, the Cobra MRF77 GPS radio sets the standard.

• Maximum Coverage: This VHF marine radio allows operation of channels in the US, Canada, and internationally at 1 or 25 watts with dual output power for optimal short and long-range communication.

• Replay Missed Calls: The rewind-say-again feature automatically records the last 20 seconds of incoming transmissions, optimal in noising conditions to make sure you never miss important information from your boat.

• Easy Communication: Communicate with boaters around you with the Public Access external speaker function and communicate through the noise-canceling microphone, which blocks background noise.

• LCD Display: The Signal Strength Meter shows incoming signals on the large illuminated LCD display. Navigate the various features of this emergency radio easily with the illuminated function keys and use TriWatch to scan three channels at once.

Cons

• Color: If you're shopping for a black radio, this is not it. It's grey, all day! This may not be a big deal for some, but it's worth mentioning.

• Installation: While the radio itself is easy to install, some users have reported issues with the mounting hardware. If you're not handy with tools, you may want to consider hiring a professional to install it for you.

Overall, the Cobra MR F77B GPS Fixed Mount VHF Marine Radio is a reliable and feature-packed option for any boater. With its built-in GPS receiver, maximum coverage, and easy communication features, it's easy to see why it's a popular choice among boaters. While the color and installation issues may be a drawback for some, they are minor compared to the overall benefits of this marine radio.

Conclusion

After using the Cobra MR F77B GPS Fixed Mount VHF Marine Radio, I can confidently say that it is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use marine radio. The built-in GPS receiver is a standout feature that provides exact location information in case of an emergency. The LCD display and noise-cancelling mic make it easy to navigate the menus and communicate clearly with other boats.

The radio's submersible design and access to all NOAA weather channels make it a complete safety solution for any boater. The only downside is that the packaging could be improved as some customers have reported missing components. Overall, I highly recommend this VHF radio for its advanced features and ease of use.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a reviewer of the Cobra MR F77B GPS VHF Marine Radio, I have received many questions about this product. In this section, I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision about purchasing this marine radio.

What are the benefits of using a VHF marine radio with GPS?

The Cobra MR F77B GPS VHF Marine Radio offers many benefits to boaters. One of the main benefits is the built-in GPS receiver, which instantly knows your location for sending signals in moments of distress.

This feature is critical when it comes to safety and emergency readiness out on the water. Additionally, this VHF marine radio allows operation of channels in the US, Canada, and internationally at 1 or 25 watts with dual output power for optimal short and long-range communication. 

The rewind-say-again feature automatically records the last 20 seconds of incoming transmissions, optimal in noising conditions to make sure you never miss important information from your boat.

The noise-canceling microphone blocks background noise, making communication easier. The Signal Strength Meter shows incoming signals on the large illuminated LCD display. With TriWatch, you can scan three channels at once, making communication more efficient.

What is the range of the Cobra MR F77B GPS VHF Marine Radio?

The range of the Cobra MR F77B GPS VHF Marine Radio depends on several factors, such as weather conditions, terrain, and antenna height.

In general, this VHF marine radio allows operation of channels in the US, Canada, and internationally at 1 or 25 watts with dual output power for optimal short and long-range communication.

How does the Cobra MR F77B GPS VHF Marine Radio compare to other marine radios?

Compared to other marine radios, the Cobra MR F77B GPS VHF Marine Radio offers many unique features, such as a built-in GPS receiver, Signal Strength Meter, and TriWatch. The rewind-say-again feature automatically records the last 20 seconds of incoming transmissions, optimal in noising conditions to make sure you never miss important information from your boat. The noise-canceling microphone blocks background noise, making communication easier.

Additionally, this VHF marine radio allows operation of channels in the US, Canada, and internationally at 1 or 25 watts with dual output power for optimal short and long-range communication.

What are the key features of the Cobra MR F77B GPS VHF Marine Radio?

The Cobra MR F77B GPS VHF Marine Radio offers many key features, such as a built-in GPS receiver, Signal Strength Meter, TriWatch, rewind-say-again feature, noise-canceling microphone, and easy menu navigation. This VHF marine radio allows operation of channels in the US, Canada, and internationally at 1 or 25 watts with dual output power for optimal short and long-range communication. Additionally, this marine radio is submersible, has access to all NOAA weather channels, and includes a flush mount kit, surface mount kit, and NMEA input cable.

Are VHF radios with GPS more reliable and accurate than those without?

VHF radios with GPS are generally considered more reliable and accurate than those without GPS. This is because a VHF radio with GPS can instantly know your location for sending signals in moments of distress. Additionally, a VHF radio with GPS can provide more accurate location information to rescuers, which can be critical in an emergency situation.