Critique my VHF antenna plan...

[ajgraz]

17' CC in my sig, I need to install a VHF antenna. Plan is: a stainless steel ratchet mount clamped to the port side of the 7/8" stainless grab rail, then a 4' fiberglass extension mast, then a 3' whip. I figure that will put the base of the antenna about 9 to 10' above the water.

(I have attached "artist rendition" photos of the boat without antenna, with that arrangement up, and with that arrangement stowed fore...it would have room to stow aft, also)

The rules I am trying to follow are:
1. Get the antenna as high as possible
2. Must be mounted centrally, somewhere on the console (i.e., no gunwale or bowrail mounting)
3. When up, at least 3' between any part of antenna and the VHF radio (which will likely be mounted top of console behind windshield) and the tach (in dash, far port side), to avoid interference
4. When stowed, fits under my cover without anything (except maybe a non-sharp part of the mount) touching the cover
5. If I ever get a bimini, then in a pinch the antenna can be put up (even if at a forward angle) and every part of the antenna still clear the front edge of the bimini (though this rule is WAY down the priority list!)

My main concern: when the antenna is up and I'm zipping around, will this arrangement present too much windage for the rail mount (or for the 7/8" rail) to handle?

Should I shorten to a 2' extension (still satisfies rules 1-4, and less likely to get snagged while casting)?
If 2', fiberglass or stainless steel? (1" diameter on the ss extension, vs. 1.5" on the fiberglass, for less windage--but ss probably heavier, and might get mistaken for a grab rail)

Should I instead surface mount to the port side of the console, just below the windshield? (would definitely need the 4' extension to satisfy rule 3) Would that really be any stronger than the rail mount?

Thanks!

 

[dingbat]

#2 has me scratching my head.

I have two 8' Shakespeare Galaxy antennas mounted in SS ratchet mounts on my hardtop. No problems

FWIW: On my previous boat, I mounted a ratchet mount to the outside of the console area. Much sturdier than a rail mount

 

[ajgraz]

#2 has me scratching my head.

I have two 8' Shakespeare Galaxy antennas mounted in SS ratchet mounts on my hardtop. No problems

Rule #2 is because I want NO obstructions while casting in the fore or aft of the boat, or while running around the deck chasing a running fish or trying to use a gaff or landing net. Indeed I plan to mount everything (stowed rods, poles, fishing tools, fire extinguisher, stowed all-around pole lamp, etc.) somewhere on the perimeter of the console.
(Plus, that grab rail is the highest starting location available, as per rule #1)
(Also, to run coax to a bow rail or gunwale mount, I'd have to add access hatch(es) on the gunwale...not sure I'm up for that just yet!)

The ratchet mounts on your hardtop...are those deck mounts? Again, just wondering if that is stronger than a rail mount.

 

[dingbat]

The ratchet mounts on your hardtop...are those deck mounts? Again, just wondering if that is stronger than a rail mount.

I've not had luck with anything rail mount. Over time they loosen up and fail, usually at the most inopportune and or scratch your railing up. Wrapping the rail with electrical tape before installation helps cut down on the damage but you end up with one heck of a mess should you decided to relocate the mount.