Does anyone run a VHF radio and what type of antenna do you use with it? Or are most running handhelds. What kind of range can you get from a handheld model? Thanks

I had an ICOM with an 8' thin antenna meant to handle high speeds. It worked great but as I often anchored out in front of my place I got tired of taking it on and off of its mount for security purposes. I now have a handheld. The handheld range is about 5 miles due to the hight of the antenna more than the actual power. Handhelds are mostly 5-6 watts output. The more permanent models are 25 watts. I don't go offshore so the handheld works well for me. PS I had an 85 CC Stinger 260.

Thanks for the reply Wes. Yeah I love my '82, I posted a refurb thread in the Classic section. '82 Stinger Facelift, check it out. I took out twin SBC 350/260 and replaced them with a single BBC 454/330, I should have gone bigger. Its a pretty good thread...