The antenna is short because it is related to the wavelength of the frequency that is being used. Typically they are 1/4 wave(length) antennas so the 75 MHz are about a meter (39") and the 2.4 GHz are about 1.25 inches. On the FASST radios the only part that is actually the antenna is the bare looking wire at the very end. The rest is shielded coaxial cable.
And the Futaba FASST 2.4 stuff works great in boats.
FASST = Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology