important VHF features

[Southerly]

i never used one, even when i had one one but Santa's shopping for a VHF for mounting on the boat.

what features are important, reasonable amount to pay, specific suggestion if you have something in mind?

i notice they start out pretty cheap and go up to what i consider to be substantial amount of cash. i feel like anything is better than nothing, but have bought junk in past that i regretted. don't want to learn the hard way.

thanks for any help.