Sirius Satellite Radio

[riley19510]

Has anyone had any experience installing a Sirius Satellite Radio Antenna on a Macgregor? If so, what Brand/Type of antenna did you install? Where did you locate the antenna and how did you install it? How good is the reception considering the mast and sails?I have not been able to find anyone in my area that has any experience with satellite radio on a sailboat.

 

[Robspan]

Sirius Works

I have a Sirius with a boombox that I use on the boat. The antenna has a long cable and I use a small spring clamp to attach it to the cabin top. It works very well. You're supposed to orient the antenna to the north but that doesn't seem to make much difference. The sails and rigging don't affect it much either. There are occasional lapses but they only last for a few seconds. It's great to have the Margaritaville channel wherever I go!

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

Kenwood deck

I have a Kenwood deck that is "Sirius ready". I later bought the Sirius converter box kit that comes with an antenna meant for a car ($100). I probably should opt for the outside antenna made by Shakespeare (SRA-30, see link below) but it works amazingly well mounted UNDERneather the side deck! It is a lot easier to not have CD's crashing about the boat! In any case, reception is similar to GPS; they recommend you have a clear sight of the sky but I think it should work well under the boom or a dodger as well.Have fun!Trevor

 

[Greg]

Antenna

They make a great antenna that can be clamped to a rail available at any major truck stop. They are available for both XM and Sirrius radios. They are really made to be clamped on a trucks west coast mirrors, so they aren't going anywhere if you get caugt in a storm.