MOUNTING A MARINE RADIO

[DPF]

I'LL BE MOUNTING A MARINE RADIO THIS SPRING ON MY 16FT FISH HAWK SIDE CONSOLE. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS I SHOULD DO REGARDING THE ANTENNA. I'LL MOST LIKELY GO WITH THE SHORTER ANTENNA ( I KNOW I'LL LOSE SOME DISTANCE). I WOULD LIKE IT SOMEWHERE NEAR THE CONSOLE BUT WILL THIS BE TOO CLOSE TO THE RADIO? THANKS

[Stezostedion vitreum man]

DPF,

Since it seems that you have chosen your preference for an antennae, I'll restrict my comments to the location of marine radios (you sure you don't want to change your mind?).

I have my marine radio located under the console of my boat. This allows for easy access to the microphone and helps protect it from water spray. Many marine radios are " waterproof ", however, the microphones are subject to water damage. Ninety-percent of marine radio repairs are due to water damaged microphones. The easiest way to remedy this, is to keep them covered. Commercial covers are sold for this purpose, however, I just use a zip lock bag, with a slit on top that allows the microphone and cord to slip through, to protect mine (seems to serve its purpose very well).

This location has given me no problems with access or transmission of signals. Good luck on the location and installation of your new marine radio, which you will find invaluable.

Remember to keep your eyes open and your feet dry.

S.v.m

[Stezostedion vitreum man]

DPF,

P.S. My eight foot fiberglass antenna is mounted on a ratchet base that is located to the side of my console, on the gunwhale, so that it opens upward toward the front. This location does not interfere in any way with the normal functioning of the marine radio.

S.v.m

[Zeek]

I suggest you mount the marine band antenna on the opposite side of the boat from any GPS. It took me most of one summer to figure out that I lost radio reception when I turned on my hand held GPS.