VHF Antennas

[HughN]

I'm juggling a mixture of equipment between boats at the moment, moving a fixed VHF to my small hardboat. I was just about to stick a 3dB 1.2m whip antenna to the back of the boat when I noticed a label saying it shouldn't be within 3m of humans (an FCC regulation).

Ignoring my wife's comment that a 1.2m antenna on a 4.5m boat makes it look like a radio-controlled toy, can I reasonably assume that this FCC regulation is a bit on the pessimistic side (though not applicable anyway)?

If I can use a 6W handheld held against my head, sticking 25W through an antenna 0.5m from someone's head is going to be a lower intensity (I rarely, if ever need to use 25W anyway).

I can buy a rubber antenna and get that further away but it will be smaller (and cost money). I'd rather put 1W through a 1.2m antenna that have to put 25W through a 165mm antenna to achieve the same range)

Any opinions gratefully received

Hugh
(My tinfoil 'hat' never leads my head, so I am immune to the effects of RF!)

[willk]

Originally Posted by HughN

Ignoring my wife's comment that a 1.2m antenna on a 4.5m boat makes it look like a radio-controlled toy

Can't imagine why...

[HughN]

Originally Posted by willk

Can't imagine why...

To be fair, the gormless and ridiculously unrealistic driver (i.e., me!) swung her opinion. She obviously doesn't like dodgem boats - a sure winner of a concept if ever there was one.

Right. It's going on now - even if I have to add a 'Tamiya' flag.

(Sulks)

[jumpinjack]

Dodgem boats...... Great fun!! Our local amusements have them, my kids love them!!