[Nick Heath]

These antennae seem to be all detachable with a screw or bayonet fitting. They are a high loss/frequently damaged item. I suspect that any manufacturer antenna would work equally well. The signals sent and receive by any comparable hand-held marine certified unit will be to a consistent, specific standard.

In the past, for better gain (i.e. more range), I have used a larger boat antenna on a handheld radio to good effect, joined by co-axial cable.The impedance must match, that is all, really.

A radio or electronics store is where to inquire. Lee’s Electronics on Fraser St comes to mind. There used to be a good 2 way radio store at the foot of Main St in Marpole, too, if I recall correctly. Maybe it is still there?