Does anyone use them any more? If so for what? I have one on my bay boat and thinking about dumping it. I ordered a new antenna but debating whether or not to return it. Before cell phones the guides on Texoma all used them.

The vhf has much better range than cellular.

for great weather if nothing else
lavon 78
texoma 69

are the only 2 I know

I will probably go ahead and replace. I already have antenna. Antenna was broke off and unit will not power up. I checked and it has power and a good ground. Thought maybe broken antenna was causing problem but it should still power up and display channel. Previous owner was not as picky as I am about certain things although boat is in real good shape.

I won't leave home without it......Saved my A** a couple of times. Buy ICOM

Same here. Saved my butt last winter on a Sunday night out in the bay. Ran across a sand bar and was stuck. Cell phone was useless. Fired up the radio which hadn't been on in years and the coast guard answered right away.
Better to have and not need than the other way around. I would leave it.

If you are fishing on the coast, it's fun to listen to the chatter between the boat captains. It's also a good backup incase you are caught without cell phone service.