Installing VHF antenna

[kkg88key]

I have a 19 foot center console bay boat with a bimini top. I am going to install a marine radio on it and I am curious about where I should place the antenna. I am looking at buying the Shakespeare 5225 XP antenna which is an eight foot fiberglass antenna. I think, becasue of the bimini top, that I am going to have to mount the antenna on one side or the other on the stern. I know that on these VHF antennas - the higher the better. Since it will be on the stern, the lowest point of the boat, should I get the 4 foot extension for it? Or will the 8 foot antenna be sufficient? I don't plan on going out very far from shore, 4-5 miles probably max, so I don't necessarily need to get out 20 or 30 miles. (at least I never plan on it). Any and all suggestions would be appreciated since I just bought the boat last year and I am still in the process of learning a lot about boats. I will say this about boating - I wish I had done it 20 years ago. But I am enjoying the heck out of it and my wife does as well. She catches more fish than I do every time we go out. Thanks so much.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Installing VHF antenna

The higher the better is always the best policy. Only issue I see with the stern is that is where the fishing poles are used a lot. Measure the height from the stern to the top of your Bimini, subtract that from the stern antenna proposed location. If your within 3 feet or so, maybe just get a 4 foot antenna and mount it on the Bimini using a rail mount. Like the 5400XT which is 4 feet, the gain is lower and only 1/2 wave, but 4-5 miles out should work fine

personally I like the 8 footers and the 3/4 wave

 

[dingbat]

Re: Installing VHF antenna

My attennas are on my hardtop. On a good day I can't talk with someone 20-25 miles away. On my last boat, I mounted my antenna to the side of the hull right next to the windshield with a ss ratchet mount. Within reach if the helm. On a good day, 10-12 was the limit
I've never figured how the distance from shore figures into it. 99.95% of all communications are ship to ship.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Installing VHF antenna

I mounted mine on the outside face of the Gunnel between the Main Bimini Support Pole and the Rear Bimini Support.
With the Bimini already in the way, it is like the antenna is not even there.
A Ratchet Mount allows it to lay down along the gunnel and it gets Bungeed to a cleat during transportation.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Installing VHF antenna

don't put it on the stern or anywhere along the gunwales; it will be in the way and/or get broken off. you may take the down sometimes.

I put a 4' antenna mounted on the bar over the windshield, in the corner, on a ratchet. When it's up, it's in front of the bimini; when it's down it's across the windshield

 

[kkg88key]

Re: Installing VHF antenna

don't put it on the stern or anywhere along the gunwales; it will be in the way and/or get broken off. you may take the down sometimes.

I put a 4' antenna mounted on the bar over the windshield, in the corner, on a ratchet. When it's up, it's in front of the bimini; when it's down it's across the windshield

I like that idea. Although I need to check because I think the bimini top is a little over the top of the bar around the windshield. What should I do then? Thanks so much for all of these replies. Very good information from everyone!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Installing VHF antenna

Taller is better

My 8' antenna is mounted on a ratchet mount midship just outside the windshield frame on the starboard side. Many times I wish it was taller and I am only out about 4-5 miles.

My buddy has a 14' antenna on his pontoon boat.