VHF Antenna, what do you use?

[Bruce]

I need to add an antenna to my Standard Horizon GX1700. I do not have a tower (yet). I am wondering what antennas have worked well for others ?

Thanks

 

[steined]

I just installed and used a digital antenna 528-VB (4' black). After much reading and research the 4' seemed to be more than enough. We heard plenty of chatter from far away stations on lake Erie and the little we used it seemed to work out fine. Edit - one of the drivers behind this particular antenna is the smaller connector they use so as to not have to drill a large hole in the boat. It comes with an adapter for the VHF connection. I used a th marine through hull wire fitting similar to the seasense one people were using for transducer cable.

I have the same VHF. My only wish is that you could hear it better under way.

I used a heavy duty Shakespeare stainless mount mainly for looks. I used a piece of leftover starboard for the backer and installed it between the bow and windshield area.

I'll post install pictures soon.

I purchased mine from tactical solutions for a pretty significant price break. Especially on that hd stainless mount which I saw for 55-60$ at local marinas. Local marinas here don't sell a lot of VHF equipment so it is quite expensive.

 

[steined]

This was the mount (note it says with hardware, mine didn't have it. Trip to Lowes for stainless equipment required) http://www.tacticalwholesalers.com/...Ratchet-Mount-W-Hardware-4187-HD_p_93095.html


This is the antenna - http://www.tacticalwholesalers.com/Digital-528-VB-4-Black-VHF-Antenna-528-VB_p_85385.html

 

[Bruce]

This was the mount (note it says with hardware, mine didn't have it. Trip to Lowes for stainless equipment required) http://www.tacticalwholesalers.com/...Ratchet-Mount-W-Hardware-4187-HD_p_93095.html


This is the antenna - http://www.tacticalwholesalers.com/Digital-528-VB-4-Black-VHF-Antenna-528-VB_p_85385.html

Great advice and great price on the mount. Thanks!

 

[Bruce]

After a lot of searching I ordered the Digital 528 from http://www.maritimesupermall.com/an...igital-528vw-4-white-vhf-antenna-p-55121.html for $107.50 as Tactical Wholesalers was out of stock. I agree that the 4.5db 4 foot antenna is a great compromise for our boats. It has a 1.5db gain over a typical 4 foot antenna and is easier to handle than a 6db 8 foot antenna.

 

[Bruce]

@Betik, this is what I used for a VHF antenna. Other options are available but this has worked well for me.

 

[Bill D]

I used a Shakespeare 5104 4' Centenial antenna on a Shakespeare 4187 Stainless Steel Ratchet Mount fixed to my tower.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006QZ7Z4W/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006QZ7Z4W/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Captbob]

This was the setup I used since 2010 and it has worked well.

 

[Speedling]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/shak...=/category/Antennas-Accessories/104189580.uts
Something like that. It was a cheaper version but still 6 db. Hard to store. I don't mount it anywhere yet. I take it out when needed but haven't actually needed to pull it from under the seat yet, lol! We have been about 5 miles away on Lake Cumberland which is very hilly/foothills and it did start to cut out and had to play with squelch to get my father in laws boat. Probably will find a way to easily mount it and dismount it for Bimini though.

 

[zipper]

I use a Shakespere QC-4 quick connect with ratchet mount adapted to Krypt towers speaker mount on my ar230 tower.This picture is of my am/fm antenna but the VHF is similar and mounted on port side of tower.

 

[Bennie]

Hey guys, igniting an older thread here.

After this year's Bimini crossing how do you guys like your VHF antennas and mounts?

I would like to mount it onto the tower to get the most out of the height, but want it compatible with my bimini top as well when its deployed.

Thoughts or suggestions?

@Bill D @Julian @Bruce

 

[Bennie]

This was the setup I used since 2010 and it has worked well.

@Captbob - what connection do you use as your VHF cable enters the hull? I like that setup.

Is that a thru-hull connection or a screw on so that you can take down the antenna when you don't want it? - thanks bud

 

[zipper]

@Bennie The Shakespere QC-4 vhf antenna/mount I use, gives you the ability to unscrew the antenna from the mount to take down or change without removing the base/mount and wire.
The base comes with a cap to cover connector when antenna is not used.

 

[Bruce]

@Bennie The Shakespere QC-4 vhf antenna/mount I use, gives you the ability to unscrew the antenna from the mount to take down or change without removing the base/mount and wire.
View attachment 61233 The base comes with a cap to cover connector when antenna is not used.

I believe that if you tried to transmit from the VHF without an antenna you would damage the VHF.

 

[zipper]

I believe that if you tried to transmit from the VHF without an antenna you would damage the VHF.

Yes,agreed I have not had to remove it, I just lower/raise as needed. But if you break an antenna, low bridge, trees, door header etc. it's a quick replacement without rerunning cable thru tower. For someone who removes...put it on check list.

 

[Bennie]

@Bruce @zipper - thanks for that info! I'm not looking to use the radio without the antenna attached, I just want to be able to take it down for storage and when I tow the boat.

I'm currently trying to locate a spot to install it that will not interfere with the mooring cover or bimini top but still gives me the most gain (ie: mounted as high as possible)

@zipper Did you run your cable through the tower?

 

[zipper]

@Bennie Yes I did.

Edit: You can see the cable in two location on this tower Once in the lower section, it exits thru the base of the forward mounting point into helm storage. I realize you have a completely different setup.

 

[Captbob]

@Bennie The connection that the cable comes through was purchased at West Marine or can be found on the internet. It gives a finished look and prevents water from entering the hole. I also have a plastic clip at the in the back so when you lay down the antenna, it doe not rattle.