The difference in four feet (assuming the same gain the the antennae)
you will only be able to communicate 1.18 miles further. Since VHF is
"line of sight" you are limited by the curvature of the earth - the
distance to the horizon.

I went for the 4' fiberglass antenna since I already have enough things
on the boat to stick me in the eye. They are more expensive than
stainless but they also look better in my opinion.


Dan

JR_FXLR wrote:
Greetings to all that are here for boating posts, "bite me" to the rest...

I take delivery of a 2005 Key West 186CC, and I'm waaaay excited. This will
be my first "serious" boat, and I had a question that google isn't making
too clear...

My dealer is installing a 4ft stainless VHF antennae due to my bimini top.
We both agree that an 8ft would get better range, but there isn't a place to
mount it and still use the bimini. My question... can I buy an 8ft, keep it
in one of the side rod holders, and screw it on for emergency calls?

I'd guess that 75 percent of the time I'll be within 10 miles of the harbor
and USCG station, but occasionally I run up the ICW.

Just checking.

JR
05 Key West 186CC (almost)