Oh and what kind of range can I expect out on the water for FRS frequencies? thanks.
Not much. The issue you'll run into is that even on your boat, you'll be at best a few feet above the water line. If something happens and you end up in the drink, it'll even be worse.
Using a "distance to horizon" calculator you can find on line, you can figure this out pretty easily.
So, you go overboard or you boat takes on water. You are now in trouble and in the water. At most, you're going to be able to get your radio about 2 feet in the air. At 2 feet high, the distance to the horizon is 1.7 miles. That isn't much. Someone with another FRS radio, on the same channel, with no PL/DPL tones set, volume turned up, paying attention, etc. would need to be within a few miles of you. Since the UHF frequencies used by FRS and GMRS are line of site in most cases, you would need to be able to see the other user (or more accurately, your antenna would need to be able to "see" their antenna) to be able to communicate.
Again, slim to none are the chances.
VHF Marine, specifically VHF Channel 16 is another story. USCG has an extensive radio system that covers almost the entire coastline of the continental USA. Their system is specifically designed to hear a low power radio, in the water in the worst conditions. They do this by having antennas on top of mountains, high towers, buildings, etc. They would not only be able to hear you, but in many cases they can ascertain your position. They'll answer you and dispatch resources depending on your needs.
Other plus is that most boats/ships are required by law to monitor VHF channel 16. That means that a ship/boat in your area would hear your call for help and in some cases get to you faster than anyone else.
No license. No service charges. No legal issues. No dead ethanh100's.
As for GMRS, yes, a license is required.
The chances of getting caught are slim to none. The FCC is way to understaffed to care about GMRS. It's very rare that any enforcement actions are carried out regarding unlicensed GMRS use.
But, as I said, wrong tool for the job.
If you are really serious about your safety and getting help, check into a Personal Locator Beacon. It's a small device that you'd carry. When in trouble you turn it on and it sends a signal with your GPS position up to a satellite and back down to a rescue coordination center. They run about $225 each with no service charges involved. Drawback is that their batteries are sealed in the units and it requires sending them in for battery replacement every 5 years or so. And, it's not cheap, I think last time I did it, I ended up paying about $75.