VHF Antenna, steel or fiberglass? Does it matter?

[BoneDigger]

Well, I went under a low bridge and broke off my 8 ft fiberglass Shakespeare antenna and am now thinking of getting a shorter model, maybe 3 or 4 ft. I want something a little more durable but I'm not sure if the SS whip would be significantly more durable or not.<br /><br />I fish from a 17 ft bay boat and never leave the bays. The farthest out I have been is at the end of the jetties, or approximately 1-2 miles from the shore. Would a 3 or 4 ft antenna serve adequately for this? I think Digital has an antenna that is 4 ft and has a rating of 4.5 gain or so. But, if a whip is more durable...?<br /><br />Todd

 

[JB]

Re: VHF Antenna, steel or fiberglass? Does it matter?

I use a 3' ss antenna with a loading coil, Digger. Doesn't have the range of a 8' glass (with a wire inside), but works fine for 5-10 miles.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: VHF Antenna, steel or fiberglass? Does it matter?

I smashed my 5' Shakespeare fiberglass ant in a similar fashion. I replaced it with a 3' SS whip. It will work about 4-5 miles boat to boat. My buddies boat also used a 3' SS whip. Going offshore, I wasn't satisfied and added another 8' fiberglass. I can remove the large one in 5 min and still use the 3' for inshore fishing. You will probably be happy with a 3' under your circumstances.

 

[kd6nem]

Re: VHF Antenna, steel or fiberglass? Does it matter?

I haven't look much at this for boats, but for cars it is possible to find mounts which will fold down in case the antenna hits something. Might not protect fiberglass against a hit at 30 knots, but surely would when going slow. Stainless should work well also, and will be less vulnerable especially with a spring or folding mount. Are these commonly used with boats? I'd try to avoid having the antenna strike anything not only for the antenna's sake but also for the remote possibility that static electricity (or a live voltage) might try to discharge itself through your radio. I've never seen this before, never even heard of it, but wouldn't it be a bummer if it happened? The receiver could get toasted. Maybe I just have an overactive imagination?