Opinions on type of VHF antenna

[tfo9]

Fitting out a 22' CC with T-Top. Boat will be trailered, used fresh & salt, fishing & family~ water sports. Based on research, considering a 4' fiberglass Digital antenna with ratchet mount (figured would install on top of T-Top). Dealer mechanic suggested a SS, rail mount - mounted to the top of the T-Top frame. Reasoning was that it was just a lot easier to deal with/keep out of the way. I am all for practical approach if not much is sacrificed. Want to make sure some with experience agree with his advice. What do you think?

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Opinions on type of VHF antenna

Welcome aboard !

If someone should say size doesn't matter they don't fish hah.

The height gives the distance, so mounted on top of a T-top 4 foot should be enough.

I have a 7 foot but mine mounts about 3-4 feet lower then yours will be, on the side of the boat.

You might want to mount all kinds of stuff up there remote light rod holders, net holders.

Good luck !

 

[Splat]

Re: Opinions on type of VHF antenna

Bigger (read: taller) is always better.

Bill

 

[Boatist]

Re: Opinions on type of VHF antenna

Bigger or taller is not always better. Probably the best woud be a 8 foot 6 db gain antenna. Mounted as high as I supect your thinking about a 4 foot antenna will work well also and give yor a range of about 5 miles plus the range of the other station.

On small boats like 20 to 27 feet a taller 9 db gain antenna will transmit in too narrow a horziontal band and when the boat pitches and rolls the signal would likely drop out.

I started with a rail mount on my boat but ever so offten it would fall over. I tried several types of Glue on the rail mount and it woull work for a while then do the same thing. My rails are Aluminum and probably flex some with the load of the Antenna so I finally used a stainless Steel deck mount and no more problems.

 

[Edko]

Re: Opinions on type of VHF antenna

Definitely stainless over nylon. I use Shakespeare 8' but like others I have mine mounted lower than yours will be on a SS Shakespeare ratchet mount.

 

[tfo9]

Re: Opinions on type of VHF antenna

Thanks for your helpful replies.