MUST I have a big 6 or 7ft antenna for a VHF or is there a small high tech version I could get that wouldnt be so clumsy and obtrusive and still get good or decent reception......thanks Doug.

Shakespeare makes a small 3' SS VHF that works well. If you're not going way offshire it works well. Check out West Marine, I use one and never had a problem.

I use the 3'ss one also. Works great for my needs. And not noticable from a distance, unlike the 8' white ones. But you do loose some distance. VHF, line of sight.

There are several versions of 3' stainless whip antennas from Shakespeare. I use one with a quick-disconnect feature (Shakespeare #5242), where the whip comes off of the base via a 1/4-turn connection. There is also a fold-down version. BoatUS (#307113) and West Marine are your best bets. Reception/transmission distances will be shorter than a longer antenna, but will still reach several miles.

Thanks guys! The guy at the marine store I deal with said my only choice was a whip although to be fair Im probably one of only a handful of "radical go fast boaters" he deals with. Our needs are different, I knew I would get the facts here, thanks again........Doug.

My 3 foot antenna is mounted under the gunnell (sp?) next to the hull. It bends a little as there is less than 3' of vertical room in this area. You can not see it, but there is serious loss of range with this setup.

I have had good luck using
the "Stowaway" #5911 by
Shakspeare, It has a suction cup and is only
10" tall.
WestMarine #519058
Worked well for the Ski
race LongBeach to Catalina
Mike J.

Hey Doug,there are several base loaded 36" ss antennas available.the one I put on my power play works pretty well although I wouldn't say it has ocean going range.Got it from short wave marine electronics in bronte harbour.

boaters world carrys them thats where I got mine, west and boat us dindnt have them. 3' stainless whip

I have the same set-up as Chart does. The 3' ss antenne is mounted inside the boat on a bulkhead. You do not see it from the outside of the boat, but you also have a good reduction in the performance of the radio. Just an idea