Assuming you have a decent place to mount an antenna, I would skip the handheld. A fixed mount 12V radio has 5X the transmit power of a handheld.

It will cost more up front (but not much more). When the battery on my handheld died, the replacement battery was more $ than the original radio.

If your antenna space is limited, check out a Digital VB-222 Antenna. Antenna is about $80 and well worth it. 3 feet tall when in use. 3 inches tall when the quick release mast is stowed in the rod box.

If you have room for an 6 or 8' antenna, there are plenty of options. Shakespeare seems to be a favorite.