>>1093780>>1093782The 8W might get you 5W output. Dunno for sure, I've never metered one of those (and I don't have an attenuator at the office that'd bring the power level to what my meters can read anyways), but the 5W's meter about 3.5 at the jack.
A better antenna is a start, and probably about the best you can do with a radio like that.
If you really want something better, you could rig up a Jpole or monopole antenna on the boat... but at that point, you might as well complement that antenna with a decent mobile radio. They're not that expensive.
Mechanical stress and operator annoyance of an adapter/RF cable hanging off a handheld isn't worth it.
A real marine handheld radio will be waterproof and likely float, so consider that too. Drop/sink a baomeme and replace it, that $70-ish just bought you one decent floating marine radio.
With LoS you should be fine even with a 1W portable.
Water makes radio pretty easy.
Mountains and canyons (what I deal with) make it difficult.
Good job on going for the license though.
If you pass one level, they'll usually let you test for the next. If you pass it, go for the next one. It is possible to go from no license to extra in one sitting for one fee. Doesn't happen often though, but it's worth doing; nothing to lose by trying for it.
>Birb unrelated. 