For about $20 more, you can get handheld marine radios which have a HELL of a lot more range...
Ok, maybe even less....
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Boat...dios/104671080.uts&WTz_l=Unknown;cat104671080
Ok. You Ham guys can pipe in here, but as a Navy Electronic Technician For 20 years and growing up around boats (father was a charter captain for my whole life, I was for 4 years.).
I figure I am more than qualified to make the clarification to the range of the above radio's claim of 50 miles. Marine radios are in the VHF band which is basically LOS(Line of Sight) in regards to the horizon. The horizon at eye level is 3 miles, assuming that you are trying to talk to another person with a handheld, double that distance, which equals 6 miles plus 10 percent for refraction, for a total of 6.6 miles. The rule of thumb for most boats antenna to antenna is approximately 25 miles depending on heights.
So honestly, a 35 mile radio pretty much has the same range as a 50 mile radio, unless you are talking to an aircraft.
Not saying not to have a Handheld marine radio, it allows more flexibility. I have both, plus my CB in my truck. But be aware that marine frequencies have more restrictions when operating, basically learn what channels you can use and what each channel is for.
FRS (Family Radio Service) on the other hand is non restricted and does not require a license. Marine band did at one time, currently it does not for the common person.
It all depends on what capabilities and limitations you are looking for.
Honestly, the throat mics are cool looking and all, but for the average person, really? The price of a decent throat mic is twice the amount of a average radio, the mediocre ones are the same price as the radio.
I would suggest however, to buy a decent FRS radio like the higher quality TalkAbouts that have a microphone Jack capability, for use with a headset, when funds allow. I bought a 4 pack of the cheap ones, quite a few years back and wish I had the ability to use while riding my ATV.