Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Water Models / July 2007

My first ever RC boat was a rigger with an brushed motor and
an AM radio system.  It runs well and for my 8 yo  nephew
enjoys running it.  I am now starting on my second boat.  It
will be an outrunner powered air boat and I've picked up a
Futaba FM radio for it.

With the first boat, I mounted the antenna vertically from
the hull, near the receiver.  The propeller of the airboat I
am starting, doesn't leave me as much flexibility in
mounting the antenna.  I must be right near the transom or
well in front of the prop.  As a newbie to RC, I have
several questions perhaps someone could answer:

1.  Could the antenna be mounted just below the deck?  It
could be placed horizontally and run down one side, the full
length of the boat.

2.  I've noticed that some commercially available rigid
antennas are shorter than that attached to the receiver.  Is
there any minimum length?  Is longer better?  Should I
strive to keep the same length as that which came with the
receiver?

3.  Is there any advantage to combining an internal antenna,
as above, with a shorter (say 10") vertical antenna near the
transom?

TIA for the help!