Never have enough Tx power, by going to the 8” antenna, the ERP (effective radiated power is doubled. Antenna is mounted about 6” to the stern, port side of windshield.

To twist the power pair of wires; stick one end into a vise and the other in a drill chuck and twist to about 1 to 1 1/2 turns per inch, remembering that the total length of the wire pair is going to shortened when twisting. Fuse at the battery and determine wire size for 3% or less voltage drop.

Thanks again Gus. Good and practical advice.