[BigLew]

ElBichoMalo,

I understand. I just wanted to help if there were points that you didn't know of or other issues you might consider.

For what it is worth, I would mount an 8' antenna on the gunnel just froward of the most forward part of the bimini. That way, you could run whenever you want and still have both the bimini up AND VHF available. If/when you drop the bimini for fishing, then you could also fold down the antenna along the gunnel and fish "over" it. If you needed to use the VHF then you could simpley raise the antenna and use the radio.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

PS- Consider getting a hand held VHF sometime. They make great gifts!