scared to try it

[Ray]

VHF is basically line of sight. The lower you are to the water, the less distance VHF has.
But USCG has relay stations on platforms all over the gulf. They can monitor Ch. 16 all over the gulf.
TowboatUS will go get you where ever you are, if the seas permit their boat to get to you. If not, and you are in danger, the USCG will send out a message on Ch. 16 to all boats in the area to render assistance before they will come out to get you.
Hand helds have less power and less distance. I keep one on my big boat as a back up to the regular one.