Single Side Band Question

[Tracy Frantz]

We just purchased a 2002 Hunter Passage 420 and want to install a Single Sideband radio; however, there is no backstay on the boat. The required antenna is very long...where do other Hunter 420's put this antenna? MANY THANKS!

 

[Tom Hadoulias]

Try an Out Backer Antenna...

they attach to your stern rail, require no ground plane or antenna tuner and work as well as a backstay antenna. The only drawback is that you manually have to change a pigtail on the antenna each time you change bands. This really isn't a problem as you won't necessarily be changing from band to band so frequently that it becomes a nusance. The marine version antenna covers the marine and Amatuer radio bands from 10 to 160 meters. Check the link below for additional info. Otherwise you'll need to have an insulated section of wire at least 27 feet long with an antenna tuner to match impedence. I'm not sure how other B&R rig oeners have accomplished this but I'm sure you'll get some input on that as well from the forum, I can tell you that the Outbacker works great and will cost less than two stay-loc insulators not to mention the antenna tuner and ground plane.Tom HadouliasWB4PAPS/V Lite Chop

 

[Buck Harrison]

Tracy,

check the archives... several past articles reference this topic. A 380 owner asked the same question, and the responses apply to (our) boat also ... Oh, BTW, the weather was horrible on the Neuse River out into the Sound this past Sat. I know, I was there; heading north on the ICW on my 2001 420. You will be happy to know that your boat can power into 30kt head winds, take breaking waves over the bow, fight an adverse current and still manage to average almost 5kts over the ground. When you gotta get there, it can do it..... but, get a full enclosure; without it, the boat can take it , but you won't.