VHF Antenna

[Gfriedman]

How is quality of an antenna measured.

I want to make sure i get something that is good quality. I am going to be using off the shores of mass.

As long as i find something that's 8ft and 6Db gain am in good shape?

Is there any other specs i should be looking at? MHz?

Thanks,

Garrett

 

[DianneB]

Re: VHF Antenna

If it is made as "Marine VHF" it will be the right frequency range and handle the full legal power.

As a general rule in antennas, the longer the antenna (and higher the db rating) the better range you will get. 5 feet and over is about as good as it gets.

 

[turbinedoctor]

Re: VHF Antenna

A Shakspere 8' with a 6db gain should fill the bill nicely. I have one with my Icom 422 and have talked to ships 60 miles away.

This is the one I have and like it very much. http://www.shakespeare-marine.com/antennas.asp?antenna=5102

 

[Gfriedman]

Re: VHF Antenna

Perfect, thats what i thought, but the prices just varied so much, i wanted to make sure i had the correct info before pulling the trigger.

 

[turbinedoctor]

Re: VHF Antenna

You should be able to find the antenna I mentioned for about $100 or maybe a little less.

Durwood

 

[dingbat]

Re: VHF Antenna

The 5102 is a good antenna but is not as well made as some of the others. Personally, I'd go with Shakespeare?s Galaxy Series of antennas since they are a much more robust stick. I have a pair of 5225-XTs on my hardtop and they have well up very well over the past 5 years.

 

[Boatist]

Re: VHF Antenna

I agree the Shakespeers 5225-XT is a great antenna and it holds up to very well even in rough water.
There are many antenna that are 8 feet and 6DB gain that just do not work as well.
Some even use a tuned section of coax as a radiator. The small diameter very felexable antenna may work for a while inland but off shore just do not hold up well.
The ones that have a nylon base are good for 2 to 4 years before the nylon base cracks and the antenna goes in the drink. The chrom base is ok for fresh water but if you go offshore get one with a Stainless Steel base.

The ShakesSpears 5225 Galaxy has a solid support and a very good copper radiator.
I have the 5225 XT but 5225 XP is better still.