Colin,

I understand the keep it simple issue and as a pure marine SSB radio the Icom is great as I said before, but given all the other possibilities I still think you should consider a HAM option. The real difference as has been noted is that the marine radios work on channels while the HAM radios work with frequencies, but all the frequencies can be stored in memory channels (back to channels again). I would agree that the Icom is initially easier to use but the Yaesu FT100 is certainly not difficult. If I had to choose between the two, I think I would go for the Yaesu, only because of size and mounting possibilities but my boat is smaller than yours.

BUT, before you go for a radio have you thought about what you are going to use as a ground plane and what about the antenna configuration. These two items are the most important part of any installation and the more time and effort expended on getting them right the better your radio will work. For Info, there is a great section on all these SSB topics on the US Icom web site which is worth downloading and printing (Sorry can?t remember the URL).

Anyway hope I haven?t caused too much confusion or debate and happy hunting.

Peter