Yakking on about the NBA playoffs or the hooters on the
gal at the waterfront bistro are not considered appropriate uses of the
VHF, even the non-commercial channels. :-)

Yep, and if you're with your buddies all the time just get a set of the
latest walkie-talkies. They've got a heckuva lot more features and range,
along with giving your a few extra channels to jabber on.