OK......I got a marine radio and am in the process of installing the antenna. I'm wondering if I could mount it 3 feet short of the top of the mast so as to keep the top of the antenna from interfering with my wind direction indicator. I would tape it to the mast to prevent it from whipping around. I don't think this would bother the reception, would it? Any thoughts?
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Do Everything Gadget
Davis makes windex 'pointer' that fits over the popular gain VHF antennas. Beware of using a gain antenna on a 23 though.... if you heel as much as I do with a H23.5, a gain antenna is counterproductive, to say the least. I use the old (cheap) piano wire type and since it's only about 20mils in diameter, it doesn't affect the windex or the light a bit. My 5 Watt handheld gives me solid communications with other boats at 10 miles --- the height really helps. Don't forget to carry an emergency antenna to use when you get dismasted. (Shudder!) Ken S/V Wouff Hong
Davis makes windex 'pointer' that fits over the popular gain VHF antennas. Beware of using a gain antenna on a 23 though.... if you heel as much as I do with a H23.5, a gain antenna is counterproductive, to say the least. I use the old (cheap) piano wire type and since it's only about 20mils in diameter, it doesn't affect the windex or the light a bit. My 5 Watt handheld gives me solid communications with other boats at 10 miles --- the height really helps. Don't forget to carry an emergency antenna to use when you get dismasted. (Shudder!) Ken S/V Wouff Hong
PS.... don't do it.
Don't mount the antenna 3' below the top unless you put it at least 3' out from the mast. If it's not in the clear, the pattern will be distorted and the Standing Wave Ratio will be upset..... could possibly do harm to your radio and at the least, won't work very well. Stern-rail mounting would probably be a better option in that case. In some localities, stern-rail mount is the standard for some reason. I'm not sure why because the height really makes a big difference. The Davis pointer looks good to me ..... and it's not very expensive either. Ken.... again
Don't mount the antenna 3' below the top unless you put it at least 3' out from the mast. If it's not in the clear, the pattern will be distorted and the Standing Wave Ratio will be upset..... could possibly do harm to your radio and at the least, won't work very well. Stern-rail mounting would probably be a better option in that case. In some localities, stern-rail mount is the standard for some reason. I'm not sure why because the height really makes a big difference. The Davis pointer looks good to me ..... and it's not very expensive either. Ken.... again
VSWR
MIke, the previous replies are indeed correct. Your "stinger" should have an unobstructed view of the horizon. I would even be leary of attaching a windvane to the antenna. Perhaps you could rig an offset for you windvane. My mast is the non-tapered type, and I used the topping lift extension for my windex.
MIke, the previous replies are indeed correct. Your "stinger" should have an unobstructed view of the horizon. I would even be leary of attaching a windvane to the antenna. Perhaps you could rig an offset for you windvane. My mast is the non-tapered type, and I used the topping lift extension for my windex.
Offest
Both Boat US and West sell a piece that will move your windvane aft of the top of the mast by several inches. Its a snap to mount
Both Boat US and West sell a piece that will move your windvane aft of the top of the mast by several inches. Its a snap to mount
thanks
Thanks for the help guys....I guess I'll be mounting at the top of the mast and offsetting the windvane
Thanks for the help guys....I guess I'll be mounting at the top of the mast and offsetting the windvane
Hey Mike Where,,,,
Mike, Where did you install the radio on your 23? I've got to do it but just can't find a "good" location. -Greg
Mike, Where did you install the radio on your 23? I've got to do it but just can't find a "good" location. -Greg
Wind Vane on Antenna
I think Davis makes a wind vane that mounts right on your mast head antenna. I saw it in one ofv there catologs recently Pat
I think Davis makes a wind vane that mounts right on your mast head antenna. I saw it in one ofv there catologs recently Pat
Radio location - Greg Stebbins
Hi gang, I have an '87 H23 and I mounted my VHF over the quarterberth on the starboard side. This location was good for many reasons: - Close to electrical switch panel, easy to wire - Easy to hide antenna wires (via switch panel, into bilge, through berths...) - Relatively close to cockpit, I can hear it when underway - There's already convenient mounting hardware- I used the bolts that secure my traveler track to the deck to mount the bracket for my radio. (required drilling one hole in the radio bracket, no new holes in boat). With that last thought in mind, I suppose it could be mounted on the port side as well, but if I remember correctly, mine would have interfered with the slide-out galley. Now, does anyone have an AM/FM stereo installed on their 23? I can't seem to come up with a good place for one of those... -- Jon Bastien
Hi gang, I have an '87 H23 and I mounted my VHF over the quarterberth on the starboard side. This location was good for many reasons: - Close to electrical switch panel, easy to wire - Easy to hide antenna wires (via switch panel, into bilge, through berths...) - Relatively close to cockpit, I can hear it when underway - There's already convenient mounting hardware- I used the bolts that secure my traveler track to the deck to mount the bracket for my radio. (required drilling one hole in the radio bracket, no new holes in boat). With that last thought in mind, I suppose it could be mounted on the port side as well, but if I remember correctly, mine would have interfered with the slide-out galley. Now, does anyone have an AM/FM stereo installed on their 23? I can't seem to come up with a good place for one of those... -- Jon Bastien
location, location, location
I also mounted mine on the port side above the quarter berth, near the companionway. But I simply used big strips of velcro to attach it to the roof. I love that carpeted cabin.........I velcro everything to it and you can hardly pull it off! Also on the port side it won't interfere with the light which is on the starboard side. Re: the stereo.......I got one of those yellow, weather proof Sony portable stereos and I love it........can take it anywhere, power it with batteries, 12V or 110. Plays radio, cassette or CD's.
I also mounted mine on the port side above the quarter berth, near the companionway. But I simply used big strips of velcro to attach it to the roof. I love that carpeted cabin.........I velcro everything to it and you can hardly pull it off! Also on the port side it won't interfere with the light which is on the starboard side. Re: the stereo.......I got one of those yellow, weather proof Sony portable stereos and I love it........can take it anywhere, power it with batteries, 12V or 110. Plays radio, cassette or CD's.
correction
Excuse me........I meant to say I put the radio on the STARBOARD side to avoid the light which is on the PORT side. I guess that's why you're supposed to review your messages before you post them..........
Excuse me........I meant to say I put the radio on the STARBOARD side to avoid the light which is on the PORT side. I guess that's why you're supposed to review your messages before you post them..........
re: Stereo (to Jon)
Jon, I've got a Stereo on my H23 and its mounted to a small wooden faceplate (thing) that is mounted to the top of the cabin on the port side right under the cockpit seating. (where the galley hides. It doesn't interfere with the galley and looks good. With practice, you can even work it from the cockpit by sticking your hand in and feeling around. Chris
Jon, I've got a Stereo on my H23 and its mounted to a small wooden faceplate (thing) that is mounted to the top of the cabin on the port side right under the cockpit seating. (where the galley hides. It doesn't interfere with the galley and looks good. With practice, you can even work it from the cockpit by sticking your hand in and feeling around. Chris
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