Thread: Marine Radios

1W is primarily for harbour/dinghy use.
5W more range and more watts the better it gets.
As mentioned above, at these frequencies it is line of sight, hopefully to a repeater. If to another boat then the bobbing/wobbling will affect transmit/receive levels plus behind waves or such.
Separate mounted antenna, high as is the way to go.
One day you might wish for it.....
Cell phones are higher in frequency so more useless. However, more repeaters (cell towers) about the landscape and with txting can have a useful signal level where voice wont make it (plus use more power).
Dunno about brands, tho would be happy with GME as a universal, low cost solution. There are more expensive options for not much more usefulness I'd say.