I was the first one to spot three upcoming marine devices in the FCC before anyone else, and now Garmin has just launched its new Signal VHF marine radio lineup, bringing fresh communication technology to boaters. The brand-new Signal VHF 400 and VHF 220 are built specifically for smaller boats or tight helm stations where dashboard space is hard to come by.
Instead of traditional buttons, these compact units come with sleek, 3.5-inch color touchscreens made of edge-to-edge glass. According to Susan Lyman, Garmin’s vice president of global consumer sales and marketing, these devices are built to give boaters peace of mind and reliable contact with the outside world, especially when they are far offshore.
Built-In Safety and Tracking Features
The standout model in the new lineup is the Signal VHF 400. This version features a built-in Class B AIS transponder. It automatically broadcasts your boat’s name, position, speed, and direction to other vessels nearby, while allowing you to track them too.
To make things easier during installation, the VHF 400 runs everything—regular radio chatter, emergency signals, and tracking data—through just one single antenna. It also includes its own internal GPS and works perfectly with both 12-volt and 24-volt boat batteries.
Clearer Sound and Smart Audio Recording
Garmin has packed these radios with smart software to make listening easier on a noisy boat. The Signal series uses automatic squelch control and adaptive noise cancellation to block out loud wind and engine roars.
If you miss an important message, the radio can play back up to three minutes of the last recorded conversation. It also lets you monitor up to six different radio channels at the same time. For safety, both models include Class D DSC emergency calling, allowing you to instantly blast a distress signal with your boat’s details to rescue teams and nearby captains.
Remote Control and Smartphone Upgrades
For larger boats with more than one steering station, Garmin is offering the new Signal RM 100 remote unit. This allows you to control your main radio from a flybridge or a second helm. It also doubles as an intercom so crew members can talk to each other across the boat.
The radios easily plug into existing Garmin onboard gear using standard marine networks. Plus, they come with built-in Wi-Fi. By connecting the radio to the ActiveCaptain app on a smartphone, boaters can easily update software, tweak settings, and set up their registration numbers without hassle.
Arrival Dates and Store Prices
Boaters won’t have to wait long to get their hands on the new gear. Garmin plans to officially launch the Signal VHF 220, VHF 400, and the RM 100 remote station on June 1, 2026.
Prices will start at $999.99 for the standard VHF 220 model. The advanced VHF 400 model will retail for $1,499.99, and the secondary RM 100 remote station will cost $699.99.
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