Trident,
Sounds like antenna is fine and from your second description sounds even more like the PTT switch on mic is done, get it fixed or replaced. Lower your squelch and key the mic to see if you can interrupt the squelch noise, that should tell you if your mic switch is making contact. I understand you want to wait for the off-season to replace but VHF is critical, not that you can hear but that you be heard. I know you're partial to Raymarine but here's the best deal on a quality rig I've seen. They're in Jersey or NYC so shipping and delivery will be quick and cheap. $169 is their price.
http://www.turtlemarine.com/standard...gx3000sbk.html
Oh yeah, as someone else suggested, I would definitely give the VHF its own fuse and terminal.Good luck and don't stray far w/o effective comm. Don't want to read about you in the Globe...
