VHF Antenna Installation Question

[Scoop Sea]

I'm thinking about changing out my VHF Antenna to a shorter one so it won't interfere with my bimini top. Do any of you all have any suggetions on how to do this, it seems like it wouldn't be too hard, i.e. plug it into the back of the old VHF, run the line to the new antenna and secure it. Are antennas pretty universal, i.e. should a new one just plug in and work, etc. Any tips, advice, etc. would be appreciated.

Thanks,


Chris

[silverking]

SS,

VHF radio transmission is basically line-of-sight, so the taller the antenna the better range generally. Some skiff owners carry a small antenna with an extension cord and tape it to the push pole in emergencies, for example to get it as high as possible. The big sportfishers always mount the antennas on the top of the tuna tower to maximize range.

That said, if you stay fairly close and have a cell phone as a backup (a handheld VHF in the emergency ditch bag is also a good idea), you can probably get away with a shorter antenna to facilitate the bimini.

You didn't mention the brand of radio, but there are only a few antenna mfgrs, Shakespeare being the main one. Most of connections are universal but not all. The connecting wire is usually potted into the actual antenna element, so you'll need to get one with the wiring long enough to route around the console, etc.

Make sense?

[Deacon]

New to the forum, and boat ownership for that matter, but old to radio comms. Don't forget to check your SWR or have it checked if you put a small antenna under your top. The metal in the top will block some of your radio wave and bounce it back to the antenna further degrading your comm ability. Getting the antenna away from the top and keeping it tall is better than under it. (Best I can tell by your post, under the top is what you had in mind, isn't it?) Additionally, don't forget you can make your antenna semi-directional by using the metal of your boat as a good ground plane.

[Scoop Sea]

SS,

VHF radio transmission is basically line-of-sight, so the taller the antenna the better range generally. Some skiff owners carry a small antenna with an extension cord and tape it to the push pole in emergencies, for example to get it as high as possible. The big sportfishers always mount the antennas on the top of the tuna tower to maximize range.

That said, if you stay fairly close and have a cell phone as a backup (a handheld VHF in the emergency ditch bag is also a good idea), you can probably get away with a shorter antenna to facilitate the bimini.

You didn't mention the brand of radio, but there are only a few antenna mfgrs, Shakespeare being the main one. Most of connections are universal but not all. The connecting wire is usually potted into the actual antenna element, so you'll need to get one with the wiring long enough to route around the console, etc.

Make sense?

Hey SK: It does make sense. I currently have a Shakespeare and would go the same route if I change out the antenna. I'm still debating right now. Thanks for the info.

[wevans]

I have a 4 footer on my boat and seldom have trouble contacting shore but I also seldom leave state waters

[tin can]

Scoop, if you're going to buy a 4' antenna take a look at the Digital 4' antenna. It's a 4.5 db antenna vs most others are 3 db.

http://www.boatersland.com/digvhf.html

[pops]

I agree, i had problems with my radio until installed a digitial 4' amtenna, best move i could have made.

[DEMON]

Scoop, here's my setup. 3' whip on a ratchet mount to console rail. This keeps it out of my way (casting, bimini, etc.). Works just fine for coastal/inshore range. For the few times that I got offshore, I made a PVC adapter that I can slip over my 8' anchor pin. I have enough antenna cable coiled in my console so that I can pull it out, unscrew my antenna base, screw on to the adapter/anchor pin and velcro the pin to my console rail. This gets the top of the whip 11' above the deck. I used a 6' piece of PVC pipe before I got the anchor pin.

[Scoop Sea]

Thanks guys for the advise on the 4 footer etc. The farthest I head out is occassionally I will run out to the K Tower, but most of the times I can see shore, so that should work out.

Demon, that's quite a set up you went with, I might have to copy it...... Thanks for the advice.

[JTR]

New to the forum, and boat ownership for that matter, but old to radio comms. Don't forget to check your SWR or have it checked if you put a small antenna under your top. The metal in the top will block some of your radio wave and bounce it back to the antenna further degrading your comm ability. Getting the antenna away from the top and keeping it tall is better than under it. (Best I can tell by your post, under the top is what you had in mind, isn't it?) Additionally, don't forget you can make your antenna semi-directional by using the metal of your boat as a good ground plane.

Ham?