Installing Antennae – Best Location

[cigar_stub]

I’m installing a new GPS/fishfinder combo, a VHF radio and an AM-FM/CD stereo. I have two antennae to install: an 8’ Shakespeare for the VHF/AM-FM (using a signal splitter) and the one for the GPS.

I have a 19’ center console. I’m thinking of installing them both in the stern, on the starboard side near. My ladder is on the port side. For the 8’ Shakespeare I have a ratchet mount that will allow me to lower the antennae when trailering, which will put it right along side the console. I can surface mount the GPS antennae right on the deck, near the ratchet mount. This seems the best location for having them out of the way. I’ll route the wiring through the same pathway as the transducer wire.

Is this location OK? I’d thought about mount them on the top of the console (GPS) and the side of the console (8 footer), but that puts it in the way of the bimini top. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I had someone lined up to do this for me, but they backed out at the last minute, saying they can’t get to it for another 3 weeks. I can’t wait that long to get into the bay. I’ll just have to put the $350 I’m saving into some fishing gear.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Installing Antennae ? Best Location

Re: Installing Antennae ? Best Location

looks like ya've thought it thru pretty good to me. not like ya got a lotta choices it don't seem. if ya don't want to mess with the bimini, yer gonna end up with them out on the gunnels somewhere....only thing ya might consider is haveing the vhf antenna mounted forward tilting back for storage. my reasoning for that is that hieght is everthing in vhf and the bow will be higher than the stern when yer runnin......

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Installing Antennae – Best Location

they are best separtated. and i don't think you are going to like the splitter. just get on of those 18' long rubber type am/fm antennas, and mount on the side of the console. i like to gunnel mount the vhf, having it on the stern, gets in the way of fishing. i don't like anything on the stern.

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: Installing Antennae ? Best Location

Re: Installing Antennae ? Best Location

I assume that your GPS antenna is a small puck? It can mount anywhere, as long as it has a clear view of sky all around. The cloth bimini should not shadow it much, if at all.

Have you bought it yet? Typically, with a passive GPS antenna the shorter the cable the better. If it's an active antenna, longer cable length is acceptable. If you are going to mount it more than a few feet from the GPS reciever, you will need an active antenna.

Try mounting the GPS antenna with double stick velcro first. If it performs well, you can permanently affix it there, if not, it's easy to move and retry.

Good Luck!

 

[cigar_stub]

Re: Installing Antennae – Best Location

Thanks for the input. I'm reevaluating the position of both antenae based on the great feedback. I have some room between the VHF radio and the GPS on the upper portion of the console so I may just drill a hole straight down and mount the GPS antenae there.

As for the VHF antenae I'm going to look around for an alternate location on the gunnel, perhaps forward of the bimin. And as for the splitter, I think I'll install it (since I paid $30 bucks for it) to at least evalutate it's performance. The fellow I bought it from told me his customers have given it good reviews. The proof will be in the pudding......