An 8or 9db antenna is about the best compromise to get both close in and the
longest possible range on a sailboat. You might go a little higher on a
trawler.

The cellular cards are great if you are primarily coastal but if you venture
down to the Caribbean the WIFI route is by far the most economical. When
you get into Cable & Wireless or Carricom territory the roaming fees can eat
you a new one even with an international roaming agreement with your
carrier.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com