Re: VHF Unit and Atenna Location on Q8i
From what I?ve seen, most Runabouts (bowriders), like yours, and Deck boats, like mine, are rarely set up very well to add electronics conveniently. There?s more effort in making the helm/console and dash stylish rather than functional. I just looked at helm/dash pictures of the 2011 Q8 SSi (attached) and it seems you qualify as ?stylish?. I have the same problem. If you have a dash mount Uniden model, then you have some choices; use a bracket to mount it under or on top the dash, or on the interior near the helm (so you can bang your knees on it), or find a flat spot on the dash that allows you to ?in dash? mount (meaning cutting a hole in your helm/console, which I would have a Dealer do if it were me). You may have some ?cubby? area I didn?t see in the picture that might work as well to be out of the way. One other type mount that can be very helpful is the mount products that RAM Mounts offer. I used one to mount my Plotter/Sonar unit on my ?stylish? dash that I?m happy with. I mostly use my boat on fresh water, frequently have cell service and use VHF infrequently, but know enough to have a good one?. especially for NOAA weather alerts and MayDay?s (hopefully not mine). I decided to go with a handheld VHF (Standard Horizon {6 watt}, I really don?t need the extra power {up to 25 watt} of a dash mount VHF, but if you?re in salt water the higher power is the way to go) and adapt it to a 4ft antenna I mount on my bimini top to get maximum distance. I wanted to get the antenna as high on my boat as possible and the bimini is my highest point. I?m using a RAM-112U Antenna Mount (this mount is also easy to remove off the base, or lay down for bridges) & RAM-231U 3/4" to 1"rail mount adapter base (an e-mail to RAM support was very helpful). This combination allows me to position the antenna at any angle to get it in its optimum position with the additional flexibility of mounting either vertically or horizontally on the rails. They make other rail mounts for bigger diameter rails like on wake board towers & T-tops too. Antenna manufacturers (like Shakespeare, Digital Antenna, etc.) all have optional mounts that might give you better choices for your installation.
I?m sure there are plenty of other members that have even better suggestions than mine and longer experience. I?m just sharing my recent experience and decision choices.
Good luck on the install before the weekend!
