The Radio in my Hunter 29.5... is an Apelco 5160 VHF fixed mounted in the cabin below deck, and am wondering about either: a) taking it out and installing a waterproof one in the cokpit instead so I don't have to use the handheld and relegate it to an emergency spare,or b) Leave the Apelco installed and tee into the power supply and the co-ax for it and run it up to the cockpit to have one below deck and one above deck, but turn off the one not in use for power conservation. Any theories about noticable reduction in signal strength? and any ideas how to do it? Any help gratefully appreciated Now, I am thinking about davits for my inflatable...anyone done it? Regards Neil
Fixed Mount VHF Radio ....and Dinghy Davits
- Thread starter Neil Hodgson
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just upgraded
To a uniden polarais with a second( wireless) hand mic for the cockpit. Best of both worlds. main unit down below and all i should have to carry is the handset. Need to find a floating something so if it finds its way overboard ...... about 300.00 for the both. Pray for wind Lugeman
To a uniden polarais with a second( wireless) hand mic for the cockpit. Best of both worlds. main unit down below and all i should have to carry is the handset. Need to find a floating something so if it finds its way overboard ...... about 300.00 for the both. Pray for wind Lugeman
can't do that
You cannot connect a second VHF by what you call Tee into the coax unless you want to destroy both radios. The only possibility is to install a coax switch to select which radio connects to the antenna but that isn't a very good option either. Using the handheld in the cockpit sounds like a good choice unless you want to lose the radio below. Using davits for your inflatable is pretty typical around here but the weight on your stern might be a problem for a 29 ft boat in terms of stability.
You cannot connect a second VHF by what you call Tee into the coax unless you want to destroy both radios. The only possibility is to install a coax switch to select which radio connects to the antenna but that isn't a very good option either. Using the handheld in the cockpit sounds like a good choice unless you want to lose the radio below. Using davits for your inflatable is pretty typical around here but the weight on your stern might be a problem for a 29 ft boat in terms of stability.
Ram Mic or one of the Raymarine multi....
Neil: There are several options. Actually having a hand held is a good option regardless of what you ultimately do. This gives you a true back up system. Several of the mfg. make "Ram Mic's". The main unit will be installed below deck and the Ram Mic is installed at the helm. Raymarine also mad a Raymairne 230 and it has been replaced by the 240 unit. This unit has a central unit with the ability to place the microphone units anywhere one the boat. (very similar to the ram mic).
Neil: There are several options. Actually having a hand held is a good option regardless of what you ultimately do. This gives you a true back up system. Several of the mfg. make "Ram Mic's". The main unit will be installed below deck and the Ram Mic is installed at the helm. Raymarine also mad a Raymairne 230 and it has been replaced by the 240 unit. This unit has a central unit with the ability to place the microphone units anywhere one the boat. (very similar to the ram mic).
Uniden 525
I just got a Uniden 525 with a WHAM. The 525 WHAM's charger fits nicely in the companionway and is permanently mounted - I actually got the 525 because of the great WHAM. You could also install a RAM in the cockpit. I only have the handheld for emergencies. 2 full size radios seems a bit much with the products available to suit your needs. I have also been troubled about what to do with my dingy. I don't want to add anymore weight to the stern while in the slip because the waterline is already high with batteries, solar panels, etc. I wish my marina had a place to store the dingies when not in use.
I just got a Uniden 525 with a WHAM. The 525 WHAM's charger fits nicely in the companionway and is permanently mounted - I actually got the 525 because of the great WHAM. You could also install a RAM in the cockpit. I only have the handheld for emergencies. 2 full size radios seems a bit much with the products available to suit your needs. I have also been troubled about what to do with my dingy. I don't want to add anymore weight to the stern while in the slip because the waterline is already high with batteries, solar panels, etc. I wish my marina had a place to store the dingies when not in use.
Mounted radio in the cockpit
About two years ago I moved the radio to the cockpit near the helm. The location works very well. I only use the radio when sailing, bridge opennings, etc. If you do a lot of single handed sailing as I do, a radio in the cockpit is the way to go.
About two years ago I moved the radio to the cockpit near the helm. The location works very well. I only use the radio when sailing, bridge opennings, etc. If you do a lot of single handed sailing as I do, a radio in the cockpit is the way to go.
second radio and antenna?
After considering the same situation as you, I decided to add a second/backup VHF radio at the helm. The radio at the nav station is connected to the masthead antenna. The helm radio is connected to a 6db powerboat antenna mounted on a short piece of stainless steel tube clamped to the stern rail.
After considering the same situation as you, I decided to add a second/backup VHF radio at the helm. The radio at the nav station is connected to the masthead antenna. The helm radio is connected to a 6db powerboat antenna mounted on a short piece of stainless steel tube clamped to the stern rail.
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