Mounting VHF Antenna

[badrano]

What is the correct way to mount an antenna to the gunwale? Do you use screws or bolts? If you use bolts, should there be a back plate on the other side of the hull or are large washers enough?

 

[dingbat]

Bolts with backing plate
Backer doesn’t need to be thick. 1/4” is more than enough

 

[Mohawkmtrs]

...and all material should be stainless steel.

 

[harringtondav]

I used a SS hand rail clamp for mine at the aft corner. It worked fine with my 8' antenna. Now I use a short whip antenna. Still fine.

 

[badrano]

I used a SS hand rail clamp for mine at the aft corner. It worked fine with my 8' antenna. Now I use a short whip antenna. Still fine.

I thought of using the railing but with my luck, one of the kids would end up grabbing on it, plus I only have railing forward of the helm by the bow seating area.

 

[badrano]

Bolts with backing plate
Backer doesn’t need to be thick. 1/4” is more than enough

Wow, 1/4" seems really thick. I was thinking of no more than an 1/8".

 

[dingbat]

Wow, 1/4" seems really thick. I was thinking of no more than an 1/8".

really depends on the thickness of the glass your bolting to. You could get by with fender washers if the glass is thick enough.

 

[dezmond]

1/4" Wood for backer... if you use metal plate, 1/8 should be fine.

 

[badrano]

1/4" Wood for backer... if you use metal plate, 1/8 should be fine.

Ok, that makes better sense.