Hi folks. For those of you whom are trailer sailers (esp Hunter 26/260/240 owners), I'd like an opinion on antenna locations; mast or deck mounting. Seems to me a mast mounted antenna, while giving the best range, would be a pain due to mast raising,lowering and trailering. A deck mounted whip antenna, although giving less range would be more convenient for trailering. Opinions/experiences?
Antenna location
- Thread starter Gypsea Kids
- Start date
On my 23.5, i have a stainless whip at the top of the mast. It's mounted on the side and is completely out of the way. I did have to move the windex though. I mounted it on a flat bar of aluminum that extends aft enough to clear the antenna.
Ideally, you want the antenna as high as possible, so the top of the mast is about as good as it gets. Not only will it provide the best range for your radio, but it will also serve as a sacrificial air terminal in the event of a lightning strike. And it is no more inconvenient than having to plug/unplug your mast lights when stepping the mast.
Cheers,
Brad
Cheers,
Brad
When I bought my 23.5, I removed the fixed VHF as unnecessary for Lakes Ponchartrain and Maurepas. I rely on my 2 handheld VHFs and a cell phone. Consider your cruising grounds before adding the hassle and complexity of a fixed system. (But be sure to keep the phone numbers of CG Search and Rescue and the state/parish maritime police units handy!)
Kind regards
Hugh
Kind regards
Hugh
What many tend to forget that VHF is line of sight and the higher the antenna whip, the farther your signal will go and also receive.. I would suggest that you have a deck plug which to screw into for easy removal/attachement when putting up or taking down mast as I use to do for mast head installations of VHF antennas.
As always Dave is exactly right, the vhf radio range for a masthead antenna is significantly greater than a hand held vhf set near sea level. If your cruising ground doesn't require the greater range, you may choose to do without mast head installation. In my cruising area, cell phone coverage suffices for over the horizon communication. The hand held works for nearby vessel to vessel and vessel to draw bridge communication.
Kind regards
Hugh Straub
Kind regards
Hugh Straub
The reception of my VHF radio was immensely improved by the mast antenna; combined it with a wind vane.
Attachments
There is already a plug for the mast head lights, so adding the radio cable has little impact on the raising and lowering of the mast for trailer operations.
I have both a hand held VHS and a standard VHS with mast top antenna. There is a clear difference in range between the two, both for reception and broadcasting.
I have both a hand held VHS and a standard VHS with mast top antenna. There is a clear difference in range between the two, both for reception and broadcasting.