GPS Antenna HELP

[ejet99]

The question is where do I put the GPS antenna on my sailboat,can the GPS see through the sail ? Do I have to put the antenna off to the side of the cabin top? At the back of the boat?
Thanks for any feedback.
Bob

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Sails won't attenuate the RF signal. Anyplace in or around the cockpit should be fine. Try it before making a permanent mounting because nearby metal such as a bimini bow can sometimes interfere but as long as it has an unobstructed view of the sky, you'll be right.

 

[sailingdog]

The GPS can see through the sails, even most fiberglass decks and cabintops. I would highly recommend putting it someplace it isn't going risk getting hit or damaged. The back of the boat might be a bit safer than the cabin top.

 

[jackhartjr]

We have folks with bus conversions that put the antenna under the cap on the front of the bus and it 'sees' through the fibreglass cap.
Jack

 

[ejet99]

Thank you

I can really put the GPS antenna under the deck ? Like under the back hatch out of the way would be good.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Brian D]

I use a hockey-puck style GPS antenna connected to my Laptop. It is located in the cabin and slide under a curtain rail that is attached to the top ceiling in my cabin. It receives just fine there.

Like it was just mentioned, try it in different places and find a location that is out of way. Just a word of minor caution, moisture absorbs frequencies that are used by GPS. So try to make sure that where ever you put the antenna it will not get excessively wet.

 

[ejet99]

GPS

Thank you. Back wet..... cabin dryer.

 

[Benny]

We have ours mounted on the stern rail. Do keep it away from where it may get accidentally hit.

 

[timebandit]

Mine works fine mounted below the cabin top--

 

[c_witch]

Hiee

Most of the reading I have done on these state NOT to locate them any where where the panel above them exceeds 3/8'' total thickness. Most also come only with a 5 foot cord further limiting there placement. I'm not sure using an extender would be a good idea.

Merry Christmas and Happy Sailing