Furuno GPS antenna

[Lt.Mike]

I was using the built-in GPS in my handheld VHF. Had to disable to old Furuno that was installed since it's GPS antenna was on an old, disintegrating fiberglass antenna mount.

The above quote was made by V8boatbuilder. I took note because I have the same arrangement and I hate it. It looks like crap and its only a matter of time before a guest on my boat busts it off using it as a handhold while walking forward.
I don't really understand why its on a 2' stalk or not built into the unit as my Garmin is that I use in my truck. Another question is why couldn't this be mounted forward and low on the dash reading satellites again like the Garmin does through the windshield?
I know there are some replacement GPS antennas available but can they be mounted behind the dash? Anyone done this?
I guess I've gotten past enough of the other "to-dos" that I can now start giving this some serious thought.
Mike.