I am trying to decide on a mounted VHF/Ant. I like the Icom M45, but I also like the horizen intrepid. The major differences are about $60 and the intrepid has a connector to do GPS position transmitions. Also there was a thread on mast mount vs. rail mount Ant. I want to go with a mast mount, but what I want to know is which one? I am starting a short overhual of a newly purchaised '77 C-22 with visions of livaboard this summer. Can anyone set me straight?
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Kevin
Kevin: If you go to a marine electronic store they have the antenna that is for a sail boat vs a power boat. I think most of the catalogs will also list the difference. West Marine usually has a good explaination of these types of things too. The sailboat models are usually about 3 ft long and they are made to attach to the top of the mast. As far as the radio goes, I think its a matter of what you are looking for as far as features and functions. One thing about buying a West Marine brand radio, you can just go to one of there stores and get a replacement or a fixed rate repair. They have these mfg for them by the major players in their respective markets.
Kevin: If you go to a marine electronic store they have the antenna that is for a sail boat vs a power boat. I think most of the catalogs will also list the difference. West Marine usually has a good explaination of these types of things too. The sailboat models are usually about 3 ft long and they are made to attach to the top of the mast. As far as the radio goes, I think its a matter of what you are looking for as far as features and functions. One thing about buying a West Marine brand radio, you can just go to one of there stores and get a replacement or a fixed rate repair. They have these mfg for them by the major players in their respective markets.
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Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Radios
Kevin - All of the major radio manufacuters offer flat rate repairs outside of the warranty period. Standard for example has a $65 flat fee after the waranty ends. I would stay away from the West Marine branded radios, they are lower end and while cheaper aren't as durable or as full featured as some others. I'd get the Standard Horizon Intrepid. Fully featured, DSC, priority scan, GPS input for when the coasties get their act together with DSC/SAR and you can add the RAM mic later. You probably have seen it in someone's catalog but basically this adds a second station so that you have a fully featured radio available to you in the cockpit. You may think that a hand held in the cockpit is an equivilant solution, but there is no replacement for a radio attached to a masthead antenna. As for antennas, you are probably looking for a Metz MANTA6. Pretty standard masthead fare. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Kevin - All of the major radio manufacuters offer flat rate repairs outside of the warranty period. Standard for example has a $65 flat fee after the waranty ends. I would stay away from the West Marine branded radios, they are lower end and while cheaper aren't as durable or as full featured as some others. I'd get the Standard Horizon Intrepid. Fully featured, DSC, priority scan, GPS input for when the coasties get their act together with DSC/SAR and you can add the RAM mic later. You probably have seen it in someone's catalog but basically this adds a second station so that you have a fully featured radio available to you in the cockpit. You may think that a hand held in the cockpit is an equivilant solution, but there is no replacement for a radio attached to a masthead antenna. As for antennas, you are probably looking for a Metz MANTA6. Pretty standard masthead fare. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
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Dale Wile
Antenna
A Standard or West Marine brand radio would be a good, all-around, economical choice. I have had great success with the Metz MANTA6 antenna for top-of-mast mount. And, I would use RG-8X coax cable. Dale Wile Sandpoint, Idaho
A Standard or West Marine brand radio would be a good, all-around, economical choice. I have had great success with the Metz MANTA6 antenna for top-of-mast mount. And, I would use RG-8X coax cable. Dale Wile Sandpoint, Idaho
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R.W. Landau
Current draw
Kevin, When I had my 23',the biggest concern was current draw because of lack of charger and battery capacity. I checked all the radios and found Shakespeare to be the lowest standby current draw. I bought the Shakespeare SE2510. It was a good radio for me. As far as an antenna goes, use a mast head for better distance. The other concern is the db rating. A "0" db rating is very good for close distance communication due to the wide pattern that it has. A "6" db antenna has a very narrow pattern but the greatest range. The down side is that if you are heeled over, it limits the broadcast range to leeward. If a small boat with a low antenna is near you, you may not be able to communicate with it. The beam will go right over it. (I have had that problem) I would save the "6" db antennas for far offshore use. I think the right antenna for most practical use is the "3" db antenna. It has a nice beam with a good range. r.w.landau
Kevin, When I had my 23',the biggest concern was current draw because of lack of charger and battery capacity. I checked all the radios and found Shakespeare to be the lowest standby current draw. I bought the Shakespeare SE2510. It was a good radio for me. As far as an antenna goes, use a mast head for better distance. The other concern is the db rating. A "0" db rating is very good for close distance communication due to the wide pattern that it has. A "6" db antenna has a very narrow pattern but the greatest range. The down side is that if you are heeled over, it limits the broadcast range to leeward. If a small boat with a low antenna is near you, you may not be able to communicate with it. The beam will go right over it. (I have had that problem) I would save the "6" db antennas for far offshore use. I think the right antenna for most practical use is the "3" db antenna. It has a nice beam with a good range. r.w.landau
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Tom
I second the Standard Intrepid for all the reasons
Justin mentioned ---- plus it is fully waterproof to some government standard.... I think one of the GREATEST reasons to get the Standard brand of VHF's is the remote (RAM) mike. But be careful about what model you buy if you want the RAM mike in the future. They now have 2 versions of Interpid VHF's. Standard is now coming out with a lower cost Interepid that WILL NOT support the RAM mike....something to think about.. ps do the mast mount
Justin mentioned ---- plus it is fully waterproof to some government standard.... I think one of the GREATEST reasons to get the Standard brand of VHF's is the remote (RAM) mike. But be careful about what model you buy if you want the RAM mike in the future. They now have 2 versions of Interpid VHF's. Standard is now coming out with a lower cost Interepid that WILL NOT support the RAM mike....something to think about.. ps do the mast mount
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Tom M.
Best Antenna
according to Practical Sailor is the GAM electronics one. For sure get the mast head version no matter which one you settle on. I also agree on the Standard Intrepid DSC VHF w/RAM mic. Tom M.
according to Practical Sailor is the GAM electronics one. For sure get the mast head version no matter which one you settle on. I also agree on the Standard Intrepid DSC VHF w/RAM mic. Tom M.
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