VHF Radio question (antenna length?)

CoachDitka · Post by **CoachDitka** » December 30th, 2005, 4:03 pm

Just curious as to what length of antenna everyone uses? Anyone using a hand-held instead of fixed? Got a hand-held for a gift, and not sure if it will be able to reach as far as I need it to. Need to be able to call for a tow, which is around Carabelle I believe, and I normally fish off St George, about 10-15 miles out. I know that hand-held are limited to 6 watts, versus 25 for fixed, but seems to be more about the height of your antenna than your power, at least to a point. I could always stand on the console to call in...haha

Thanks in advance,

Coach

Post by **Frank Bradfield** » December 30th, 2005, 4:27 pm

Don't count on the hand held ! The range is not what you need. I'd go with a fiberglass antenna and tall as you can stand it. I have a 6ft one mounted on the t-top and it works very good and an 8ft one mounted on the back of the bay boat which does real good also.

Post by **Sir reel** » December 30th, 2005, 5:16 pm

Good afternoon CD

You've ask a very good question and the responses you receive may be helpful to someone else. First, I'm not a VHF/tech/expert. I do have a fixed unit with a 6' fibreglass ant. IMO... if you are 15 miles South of St. George and you need to get help from Carabelle....even with a good antenna, the conditions would need to be right and the stars aligned for you to DEPEND on being able to contact someone at that range. You would more than likely be able to contact someone else (closer) who could come to your assist or relay your request for a tow. If your objective is to be able to communicate with Carabelle from that distance you might want to investigate a cell phone and provider that will work under those conditions. The VHF is a good thing!! However, don't put all your faith and well being in the same basket as the radio

Again, thanks for asking the question...I'm sure someone will give you direction that will work for you.

Post by **Jumptrout51** » December 30th, 2005, 8:21 pm

I am told width is more important than length.

Post by **sundown** » December 30th, 2005, 8:47 pm

I have a Shakespeare 5206-C 8 ft fiberglass on my boat..Along with a Standard Horizon Eclipse plus radio...Antenna mounted with a ratchet mount on the grab rail of the console..I usually stay within 15 miles of St Marks and never have any trouble with a radio check at the marinas...And if I get very far out I check my radio several times during the day.. Also keep a handheld in the boat for a backup..

Post by **tin can** » December 30th, 2005, 9:29 pm

The quality of the antenna is as important, if not more important than the height. I would reccommend a good 8' antenna for offshore use.

Post by **KarstRanger** » January 1st, 2006, 6:07 pm

CD - take a look at this one...

This Shakespeare 5225-XT antenna was highly recommended to me both by boat store people and fishermen. After a lot of web surfing, I bought one for $99.95 here with free shipping. Since it is 8ft and therefore oversize UPS/FEDEX, expect to pay $20 - $30 shipping costs if you are not careful.

http://www.laptraveler.com/marine-accessories.htm

Style 5225-XT GalaxyÂ® 8' VHF Antenna 6dB Gain

Collinear-phased 5/8 wave elements

Shakespeare's best 8', 6dB Gain antenna. Its GalaxyÂ® design maximizes range and quality in a great looking antenna. The 5225-XT is Shakespeare's classic Style 5225 in a new, stronger, sturdier, stiffer radome for extra duty. It's extra tough for use on hard tops, T-tops, radar arches, or wherever its extra resistance to high winds and high speeds is welcome.

Brass and copper elements for maximum range and efficiency
Stainless steel ferrule with standard 1"-14 thread
20' RG-8/X low-loss cable plus a PL-259 connector
Suggested mount: Shakespeare Style 4187 Ratchet Mount.
One Section
Shakespeare Limited Warranty: 5 years

-- KR

The Business · Post by **The Business** » January 1st, 2006, 9:28 pm

A satellite phone might be an option for you depending on how $$ you want to spend.

CoachDitka · Post by **CoachDitka** » January 6th, 2006, 2:22 pm

Well, after a TON of thinking and reading, I have decided to go with a Shakespear 3' whip antennta to mount on the top rail of my center console. The top of the antenna would be rougly 9-10' over the water, versus14-15' if I got an 8' model. Using the formula for VHF range, I would only get about 1 more mile of range, which to me is not worth having to deal with an 8' antenna. The 3' whip also folds over and can remain totally out of the way unless I need it. Nice! I am also going to carry an 8' piece of PVC with a threaded adapter on the end in case I need more range, I can simply stick the whip antenna on the top and now I have an 11' antenna.

I am also considering a cell phone booster that claims to extend you reach up to 50 miles. My phone generally works well enough 15 miles out, but it would be nice to to 100% sure I can make calls. The boosters seem to run $250-450. Anyone have any experience with them?

Thanks for all the input!

-Coach