View Full Version : Marine radio antennae
Thinking of getting one of those low profile stainless ones for a smaller boat I dont really want one of those large fiberglass ones anyone have any experience with this type?
Walizz 1
12-23-2001, 07:32 AM
There was a very informative thread on this about 3 weeks ago under boats and motors. Check it out. I'm sure your questions will be answered.There's some pretty smart guys here. Merry Christmas.
mudpuppy
12-23-2001, 07:54 AM
Have a 3 footer I purchased from Cabelas last year, I'm sure I don't have the range of an 8 footer (because of "line of sight" issues), but for what I got it for it works well . I also have a "smaller" boat & don't venture offshore very far . This spring out of Ludington on Lake Michigan we were Brown trolling near shore & were picking up chatter from Pentwater & Manistee . Safety is always #1 issue . I always carry a cell phone as a back up , carry flares , & hook up with other boats in area . Near shore a smaller antenna's OK but off shore I'd go with an 8 footer . Just my opinion .
Range is dependant upon the heighth of your antennae, and the antennae your sending to. 3'er to 3'er will be +/- 3 miles, 3' to 8' maybe 5 miles, 8' to 8' maybe 12 miles. Sometimes more sometimes less depending on the weather, radio traffic, and more.
Any unit (even a handheld) can be heard by a base station with a much higher tower at much longer distances.
8' antennaes produce more range and what could be discribed as more power because they are a better fit to the wave length being broadcast. ( too technical for me... that's REW territiry )
Good luck and happy holidays.
I hope everyone gets what they want for Christmas.
I also have the small 3ft. stainless antennae. It does real well for me both inshore and offshore. But mine is mounted ontop of my center console. This puts the top of the antennae about 9 ft above the boat. Which I am sure helps the reception.
Jose`
Paul: Visit a local two-way radio shop in your area and get a 5/8 base loaded 46" antenna. Find a Ham Operator to cut it to channel 70 on the marine band, middle of the frequencys used. He can also tune it for the most output and best receiving. He can adjust the SWR so you get the "most" out of your radio. I have found a matched antenna will perform better than a stock off the shelf marine one that can not be tuned. If you want to E-mail me and I can get you more info. ddkaitz@msn.com Ihave been a ham for over thirty years and have worked a lot of VHF bands during that time. Good luck TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING....Kaz