VHF Radios & Antennas

[Terry]

I am buying a VHF radio, could you please give me some advice. Thinking about the Ray 53 or Shakespeare SE2510 and the Galaxy 5225-XT and 5400-XT antenna. Would I loose much distance with the 4ft. antenna? I fish Lake Sackakawea and Fort Peck. If there are any other radios or antennas that would be better please mention them. Please tell me what you would recomend. Thank you

[Den]

The 4 foot antenna will definately reduce the distance the radio will reach. without getting technicle, the higher the antenna the better distance you will get, sending and receiving.the longer(8ft) antenna can get in the way, but in an emergency it can mean the difference of fast response to somebody. A lot depends on the body of water you plan on fishing also. if it is a smaller body of water, the 4 foot may be enough, but if it is for the bigger ponds like erie, and the other big lakes go with the 8 foot antenna. REW can give you more in depth wording on this, but i know how and why. i hope this helps. good luck and good fishing.
Den

[cisco]

On my 18 ft Targa I went with a steel whip (3 ft) antenna strictly for space and convenience considerations. It will let me transmit and receive over big water up to 4 and sometimes 5 miles. On my previous big water boat I got twice that service with an 8 ft glass Shakespeare. If you have the space, get the 8 footer -- you don't always have folks close by on Sakakawea.

[Phil T.]

Make room for that 8' antenna. The radio isn't always for convenience on the waters you mentioned. By-the-way, get a good 8' antenna, like a Shakespeare. I bought a cheaper one a few years ago, and now get fiberglass slivers when I handle it. In any open boat, a waterproof radio is a must. That's the feature you need be most concerned about. Anything else is convenience or personal preference.
Don't buy the cheapest radio and antenna you can find. When you need to call for help, price isn't very important.
Oh, and wire the radio directly to a battery, not a multi-connector strip. Another mistake I made.

[Terry]

Thanks for the information.

[RANGER]

Rays, Apelco, 2510 and others, all good choices - BUT - Don't cheap the antenna. It is all you have to get your message out. The 5225 is an excellent choice. As stated, wire the radio directly to your battery terminals. Goo luck.


RANGER


"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD!"