Antenna/VHF

[Michael]

I am going to install an antenna on my H26. I know that placement on the mast is best for the signal (line of sight and all that). That was where it was on my old Windrose 24. The mast on the 26 is much taller, however, and I am not sure I want to go up much higher -- bridges, trees, etc.As anyone attached an 8-foot antenna to the top of their mast crutch?Michael

 

[Ray Bowles]

Check the latest West Marine catolog about VHF an

I found the articule about what antennas and sizes very informative. The antenna on my H26 was mast top mounted and didn't work for squat. after reading their articule about what to use and why I found a much better set up. Unless you know what to use and why I'd recommend such a tutorial lesson.RayS/V ....boatless until 8/30/02

 

[Tom Wootton]

No advantage...

...to having a long antenna at the masthead. It can actually cause reduced performance, because the concentrating of the signal varies with the amount of heel. The proper choice for a masthead antenna is the 3 foot long low gain model.

 

[Steve Dion]

Tom has it!

and the advantage of having the antenna as high as possible goes without saying. The difference between an antenna that is 5 ft high vs 30 ft high can double the transmission range of your radio.