ICOM is definately one of the better brands... The feature you want to make sure it has is DSC, Read up on it in this link
http://www.vhf-dsc.info/what.html
Best to flush mount it permanent in the dash but if you don't want to cut holes in your dash most have brackets too.
Since VHF operates on line of site, the higher the antenna the longer your reach is going to be. Probably not as important to you since you stay in close but very important if you plan on going offshore.
As far as the antenna mount, don't cheap out here... Tell Eric to spring for the metal one
since the plastic ones tend to break when they are subjected to the boucing around you do in the bay and oceans.
