Recommendations for a vhf handheld

[pbb]

So I know everyone recommends West Marine for warranty support.

Their website listing for the HX150 lists "Warranty: Three-year waterproof, $65 flat rate"

Any experience dealing with them on this? The HX150 owners manual describes a "flat rate" limited lifetime warranty. So one possible interpretation is that there is a three-year waterproof warranty, and then the limited lifetime $65 flat rate warranty.

I would be hesitant to buy something that had a waterproof warranty that would cost me $65 (or about 65% of the list price) for service.

Can anyone confirm that West Marine would replace a unit (at no additional cost) within 3 years with water damage?

(I am just making sure I understand the warranty before I plunk down any money, or make any choices about which radio and where to buy)

BTW, anybody put their radio in a waterproof case to be double protected?