What options should I look for when choosing a VHF radio?
Are there any particular brands that are better than others?

One that floats :-)

I would assume the transmit ability would be important and perhaps the ability to set the range (i.e. crank it up when you really need it). Also the type and ability of the battery..

Basics:
http://www.marineelectronicsjournal.com/how_to_buy.cgi?article_id=133

Ratings:
http://www.powerboat-reports.com/sample/vhf.html



Water "proofness"
* JIS-0 -- no special degree of water protection
* JIS-1 -- resistant to vertically dropping water
* JIS-2 -- resistant to dripping water at an angle of up to 15 degrees from vertical
* JIS-3 -- resistant to falling rain at an angle of up to 60 degrees
* JIS-4 -- resistant to splashing water from any direction ("splash resistant")
* JIS-5 -- resistant to direct jetting water ("jet resistant")
* JIS-6 -- sealed against direct jetting water ("watertight")
* JIS-7 -- sealed against water incursion in one meter (three feet, three inches) of water for 30 minutes ("immersion resistant" or "submersible")
* JIS-8 -- sealed against continuous submersion under pressure specified by the manufacturer ("submersible" or "submersible plus")


Read more at Suite101: Submersible VHF Radio: Understanding Waterproof Ratings http://boats.suite101.com/article.cfm/su...s#ixzz0v8e8iGjO

Things I look for in a VHF

Waterproof

Size

Maximum output wattage

Ability to use alternative batteries - it seems that my radios usually outlast the battery. But, by the time the battery no longer takes a charge you are not able to buy a replacement. Plus on longer trips it's nice to have backup batteries that are available and affordable.

Easy to read - some radios now tell you in addition to the channel you are on, what the channel's proper use is. I often have to use my cheat sheet to find the proper frequency. 16 is easy but it's nice to also monitor VTS, bridge to bridge, or communicate with other watercraft or VHF share stations.

Controls that can be worked with cold wet hands

Size - I carry mine tethered to my PFD

Flotation would be a great addition.

Horizon is what I use. Don't have it in front of me nut it is good and floats. keep it on my vest also.

http://www.standardhorizon.com/?cmd=DisplayProducts&DivisionID=3&ProdCatID=85

which model do you have?

What about the range, is that an important spec to consider or, are they kinda all the same?

Dogpaddle52: Those Standard Horizon radios look really slick. I especially like how they float in water.
How long have you had yours, Do you have anything complaints about it?

I have had it for two years on the boat, Range is good from my 19' Boston Whaler. Height matters for distance but it picks up pretty far away. I don't transmit much but it has a lot of good reviews if you do a search. Battery last a long, long time. I think it was about 200. Better than a cell phone. It is durable, direct to who I may need the GC in an emergency. No fumbling and weather reports. I forgot it the other day and just didn't feel good without it. I have done some risky things in my life but as y father would say "Good care takes the head of of bad luck!"

Good write up in sea kayaker magazine Oct issue.

Bought the new one from Standard Horizons today the 851 it was cheap price compared to most vendors. I thought mine needed repair but it was my stupidity. So now I have two. This one has nav in it.

I have just purchased a Standarrd Horizons Hx751 VHF radio. I chose this radio because it floats, has all 10 wx channels, can use alkaline batteries (battery tray was extra), transmits at 6 watt (can be lowered to 5 and 1 watt), has an sos strobe and can even take temperature of water. I paid $150.00 in Canadian currency for the radio. But, I have not yet tested it out on the water yet. The price seemed reasonable and it has the capabilities to do what I want. We'll see how it works in the field.