mast mount for VHF antenna

[Brad]

I am having the VHF radio's antenna mastmounted('03 260). as a gift my father bought me a 8ft shakespeer but the folks installing said that it was not the right kind to put on a mast. I bought a smaller SS one and am mounting that one on the mast but out of curiousity, has anyone put the fiberglass antenna on their mast and if how'd it work??? ThanksBrad

 

[Ed Allen]

NOT WELL!

Yes i have tried it the problem is how the antenna sends out its powere. the smaller ss ones usually 3db work better think of both as a circle of energy. the fiberglass whip transmits a flat circle of energy a pretty long ways. the mast head transmits a thicker or fatter signal that will accout for the healing of the boat.so if they are both level the glass one may get out a bit further. but if you heel the boat it transmits to the water one way and the sky the other making it difficult to get anybody.  the wire one on the other hand transmits a signal pattern that radiates higher and lower relative to the horizon. so if the boat heals your signal will still be recieved by a station on the surface of the water or land. hope that helps!Ed

 

[Brad]

thanks

I see what you mean, thanks for the help.Brad

 

[crazy dave]

Brad

Metz or Shaakespear make a 3 foot stainless steel whips or antennas. Running the cable through the top of the mast head but if you decide to drill a hole in the mast to route the wire, make sure you file off the sharp edges.For the deck, you will find a two inch double ended female which is what I suggest and make sure you get the SS cap so when it is not plugged up, it will not corrode from rain and so forth.If you have trouble running your cable thru the boat headliner, advise and I will let you know how to do that. Crazy Dave Condon

 

[Brad]

thanks dave

I did exactly as you suggested and it worked fine except for I miscounted on the fittings so I need to get one more and its all done.Thanks for the helpBrad