both
Alan, To answer your question it can be both, and not necessarily one or the other. I think the answer is on one's cruising/boat travelling intentions. If you do not intend to roam from the coast of the US, I think it is popular opinion that a VHF will do you just fine. However, if you intend to go to maybe the Bahamas or maybe a little further out there, then you have cause to look into one on the serious side. I have a friend in the business, Tim Hasson, check out his email address. There are many articles on how they personally support boating journeys. Write to him if you are so inclined, he just loves to help people and lend a helping hand. good luck, Mike D
