VHF antenns

[Broaders]

Hi Everyone,
I just broke off my Shakespeare 5101 , 6dB 8 ft antenna, on my 2465 Regal, looking to get a new one, I read some were on line that a 4ft Digital will work just as well, can anyone confirm this as I know NOTHING about this lol.
Cheers
Don B

 

[southkogs]

VHF is "line of sight." If a 4' antenna will keep a straight line to the station you want to talk to (ie - open water only) ... you should be good. Where I am inland, I would need more height to maintain signal.

^^^ that's all over simple, but catches the general rules.

 

[dingbat]

Hi Everyone,
I just broke off my Shakespeare 5101 , 6dB 8 ft antenna, on my 2465 Regal, looking to get a new one, I read some were on line that a 4ft Digital will work just as well, can anyone confirm this as I know NOTHING about this lol.
Cheers
Don B

The 5101 is a "budget" antenna. Just about anything would be an "upgrade".

How far do you need to communicate?

VHF is "line of sight" communications meaning taller is better to a point. If need to reach out and touch someone (large body of water), reducing the gain (rounder signal pattern) and height of your antenna isn't doing you any favors.

If you want to keep the same antenna with an upgrade in performance and quality you can go with the Shakesphere 5225XT.

 

[alldodge]

Shakesphere 5225XT

That's the one I have

 

[Sprig]

As others have said VHF is line of sight. In general the taller the antenna the better. Replace it with another 8’ antenna with a ratchet mount so you can lay it down when not in use or trailering or going under a low bridge. If possible get a 12’ antenna.

 

[Broaders]

The 5101 is a "budget" antenna. Just about anything would be an "upgrade".

How far do you need to communicate?

VHF is "line of sight" communications meaning taller is better to a point. If need to reach out and touch someone (large body of water), reducing the gain (rounder signal pattern) and height of your antenna isn't doing you any favors.

If you want to keep the same antenna with an upgrade in performance and quality you can go with the Shakesphere 5225XT.

Thanks for the infomation, as for how I travel from land , not to much, I try to hug the coast line here in Newfoundland

 

[Broaders]

As others have said VHF is line of sight. In general the taller the antenna the better. Replace it with another 8’ antenna with a ratchet mount so you can lay it down when not in use or trailering or going under a low bridge. If possible get a 12’ antenna.

Ha,Ha that's what happened to me, I FORGOT to put it down and hit a tree branch, I will replace it with a 8 ft forsure and will look into the 12ft, thanks for the input.
Cheers

 

[dingbat]

Thanks for the infomation, as for how I travel from land , not to much, I try to hug the coast line here in Newfoundland

The question isn’t how far away is land…..how far away is help?

Your fellow boaters are your best and quickest change of getting help.

 

[Broaders]

The question isn’t how far away is land…..how far away is help?

Your fellow boaters are your best and quickest change of getting help.

I agree, and here were I live their are always fishermen and pleasure craft on the bay, but still nice to have a very reliable VHF so I'm looking at your suggestion for the 5225xt,
Cheers