Colin

You can program and tune most HAM radios for weatherfax etc with a computer there are tons of programs available for virtually all makes. As for most used channels, the FT100 has 300 or is it 500 memory channels which is more than enough, I know not the 1600 the Icom has but I never use half of them anyway, but I have to say I tend to use frequencies more often.

Backstay with norseman insulators is the way to go, they are great bits of kit, remember the antenna must be at least 23feet long for the HF bands. The other issue is that the active part of the antenna should not be something people grab hold of, if touched while in use (Transmiting) it burns like a microwave from the inside out and bloody hell does it hurt.

You haven't mentioned ground plane which is probably the most difficult part to get right but once correctly installed and after your first transatlantic transmision gives you the greatest buzz.

Interesting that you are looking at sat comms, I was/am looking at Iridium but am not sure coverage seems good but like all systems is a bi...ch to setup and the data transfer is v.slow but HAM bands not really better.

Keep me posted on which way you go and if you need any help please feel free to ask me if I can provide it will do so, although Portugal is right next to Spain where my current boat is I am a bit far away.