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Can anyone tell me the pros and cons between a three foot metal whip antenna and a three foot fiberglass for a VHF radio? Next question, what could I expect for range with Uniden Solara with a three foot antenna on a clear day?

I dont know that there would be a difference between both since they are 3 foot. I have a three ft metal one and the range is not real good. For better range get one of them 8ft antenna's.

I had a 3 footer on my boat and it was about like having a handheld With the 8 footer I can hear folks 20 miles away, haven't tried talking that far yet

I use my boat only on the flats and rivers. I only have an 18 gal. fuel tank, and I run a 90 hp Johnson, but I run it down close sometimes because I run up and down the coast a lot. I don't have a lot of room in my boat, and my console is shorter than most. I may figure a way to carry an 8 foot somewhere in the boat as a back up in addition to the 3 foot. Thanks for the response DS.

This is a 4 foot fiberglass antenna that has 4.5 db gain. Don't skimp and get a cheap antenna. The whips ae no better than handhelds in my opinion. This was the #1 rated 4 foot antenna on the market.

4' VHF 4.5dB Gain Antenna 528-VW WHITE

Thanks for the info Tom. After doing a little more homework, I think your suggestion is the way to go. Now all I have to do is find a source. I've contacted a number of boat dealers in my area, and they can't get it for me. I went on the internet with a few dealers. No one had it in stock. Most of them priced it between $89-$100 without the mount. Still looking.

Thanks for everyone's advice. I ordered the 4 foot 528-VW digital from Bethel Marine in Miami. $66 for antenna, $7.00 for plastic mount. with shipping $82.
Darn thang almost cost me more than my radio did. Still not sure what my range will be with the Solara???

Somewhere around 25 miles or so depending on antenna. The one you ordered should be just fine, mount as high as you can. Since I have the 3 ft whip I can hear farther than I can talk.