We've used Metz VHF antennas on two boats (one we had for 11 years) and our current boat for 11 years.

They are somewhat more compact than the fiberglass clad units and they don't deteriorate from UV degradation. As Logan says, get the 3db units for a sailboat!

Shakespeare makes a similar unit which I think is a more expensive copy of the Metz.

http://www.pyacht.com/metz.htm?gclid=CKnJhuGI-Z0CFYJx5Qod0Qz1ow http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=8080&BASE

Provides Alternate To Large White Fiberglass Antenna For VHF/Fm Marine Radios. Slim Stainless Steel 34" Whip Mounted To Nickel Plated Post Into 1-1/2" Stainless Steel Coil. Outperforms Conventional 54" 3db Gain Fiberglass Antennas. Used By The USCG For Search And Rescue Missions. Features Stainless Steel 17-7 Ph Whip, Uv Resistant Cap, Soldered Connections, Stainless Steel Housing, 250 Watt Power Rating, 1/2 Wave Length-Shunt Fed, Compression Whip Retainer, Nickel Plated Support, Low Angle Of Radiation, Lightning Protection, Internal Ground, #16 Awg Windings, Epoxy Filled Coil, “O”-Ring Weather Seal, So-329 Connector, Stainless Steel Bracket And A Swr Of Less Than 1.2:1. No Ground Plane Is Needed. Ideal For Racing And Is Pretuned To Marine Band. Stores Easily.