VHF antenna: what are you running?

Valkyrie

I've read West Marine and Boat US advice and had a 4' whip way the heck up there on Spirit's mast and it worked great. I know what the books say, but what works best for you on your C Dory?

Do you go with the roof mount 4-footer or the 8' fiberglass?

Also, will a VHF antenna in close proximity to the GPS antenna affect it? At a recent boat show I saw a SS VHF whip antenna mounted right next to the GPS antenna.

Shakespeare/Galaxy has a 4' fiberglass roof-mount antenna that looks promising, but will it stand up to highway speeds when trailering or must it be removed. Simplicity appeals to me.

What works best for you?

Thanks,

Valkyrie

Captains Cat · Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 7:12 pm Post subject:

Captain's Choice had a 4' Shakespeare metal antenna originally that worked fine. We now have an 8' fiberglass whip that works fine too. Unless you're on the fringes, doesn't make a lot of difference. Would recommend a fold down mount if you go with the 8' antenna though.

The proximity with GPS isn't a factor. GPS is receive only, the transmit from the VHF may temporarily affect it but it will soon synch up again and you'll be fine. I've got two GPS's, one near the antenna and the other one not and notice no affect.

Charlie

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 7:30 pm Post subject:

The two antennas I had (just removed the 2meter ham antenna) are Morad base loaded 6 db gain military grade (whatever that means). The base is about 1 1/2 dia and two feet with a steel radiator on top. The are only about 4 1/2 ft high. About $117.00 each, but they work great and you don't have 8 feet of fiberglass whipping around up there.

Chuck S · Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 7:35 pm Post subject:

3dB powerboat antenna on cabin top. No holes thru the ceiling, this is the visor. 3dB is the best power ratio for small boats because it transmits on a very wide band and the horizon is the limit for VHF transmission. 6dB antenna defines "whip" on small boats and has a narrower transmission profile

[img]http://groups.msn.com/CDoryOwnersGroup/detailphotos.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=625[/img]

-- Chuck

SeaSpray · Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 11:15 pm Post subject:

I went with the 4.5ft antenna from Digital Antenna. I found the best price at Defender. I installed it on my radar arch. I had it about 2 months when the guy making a boat cover for me broke the end. It was in the horizontal position and broke just from the weight of the cover as he pulled it over. I called Digital and they told me it should not have broken that easily and to return it. I paid a couple bucks to send it back but they sent me a new one that looks beefier. Haven't had a chance to put in on yet but I would go with Digital again since they stand behind there products.
Steve

katkt · Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 11:46 pm Post subject:

4' fiberglass Shakespeare, I bought a matching one
for the AM/FM and put it on the other side, I'm
into the whole symmetry thing Very Happy

The stuff I've read say's that smaller boats
that roll alot on the water, should use the shorter
one because it has a rounder beam path, the
taller ones throw a narrower beam that ends up
pointing into the water half of the time because
of the motion of the boat.

I didn't make this up really Very Happy

starcrafttom · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 12:09 am Post subject:

I have the 4 footer on my radar arch as installed by les. I have the 8ft one on my starcraft and it sits low in the water but works pretty good. I have been at possession point and talked to people at hein banks.

Larry H · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 1:26 am Post subject:

I replaced an old 8 ft fiberglass West Marine antenna with a Digital Antenna 4.5 ft model 528-VW.

The VHF radio performance has improved with the new antenna. It seems well made.