In article ,
HK wrote:

So, I was thinking, what with all the technological advances in
communications, why are we still stuck with VHF radios on our boats?
The limitations of VHF radio are obvious to all of us, so there's no
need to repeat them here. And I'm suggesting a move up to SSB or
satellite telephones.

So just go ahead, with the LRC you are free to do so:
Inmarsat-C, MF/HF with SSB and DSC.

Surely, there is a better way to handle boat to boat or boat to shore
communciations, with features like duplex, much greater range, less static.

MF/HF generally has more static than VHF.
And yes, HF will get you across thousands of kilometres.
But: Why distribute chat over thousands of kilometres if not necessary?

And if you want a phone, get one - eg Iridium.

HTH

Marc