Edit: I believe fixed mount VHF radios for recreational use are limited to 20 watts, while handhelds are typically 1 watt. A very rough rule of thumb is 1 watt = 1 nautical mile of transmission.

I don't know if there's an actual limit for handhelds, but mine has a 1watt and 5watt mode. I believe the legal max is 25 watts, so most fixed mount VHF aim for that.

While we're on the subject, I've been eyeing the Standard Horizon radio with DSC and GPS built in - anyone here have experience with them?