TV Options

[gfrazzle]

My marina no longer allows antennas/ hardware to be mounted on the dock/ slips. I have been trying to find an antenna that I can use in the cabin or rail mount. I have tried several models but reception has been marginal to unacceptable so far.
Anybody had success with either an inside or an external one that can be mounted (or be removed ) to not interfere while sailing? We don't spend enough time on the boat to merit streaming with satellite (Skylink)

 

[kappykaplan]

Have you contemplated an antenna you could hoist on a halyard while in the slip? Sorry, no specific models off the top of my head.

 

[Davidasailor26]

Is there cell coverage or does the Marina have WiFi? Either one can be used to stream to phones and tablets, or you can use a phone as a hotspot to stream to a tv.

Some people also use saucer style TV antennas mounted to the masthead. Something like https://defender.com/en_us/shakespeare-15-diameter-seawatch-dome-marine-tv-antenna-3015

 

[jssailem]

I opted for tv and streaming via my Cell phone or Starlink. Both have proven excellent for my usage.

Assuming you are in Ventura Harbor your are about 60 mile indirect sight of Mt Wilson where LA locates there TV Transmission antennae’s. Your experience so far may be a result of the antenna not being rated for the distance.

Here are a couple of options you might explore.

• Majestic UFO X: rated @ 60 mile High-gain (30 dB) dome for fringe signals;
  • 
• 1byone Amplified Marine: rated at 50 miles plus. Affordable flat-mount with 360° horizontal reception; low-profile for sailboats;
  • 

I have no experience with either of them. There specifications appear to be in line with your assumed needs.

Good Luck

 

[Rich Stidger]

I have a Majestic UFO X antenna about 52' off the water on my mast. It does a good job for stations that are 15-40 miles away. The distance is over both land and water.
But I primarily use mobile data or my marina's wifi to stream TV. I have a hot spot with unlimited 5G data that I use when I'm away from my marina. It's a solid solution except for the rare times that I'm too far from a cell tower.

 

[gfrazzle]

Thanks to all who posted. My marina doesn't have WIFI (coming they say ) and my TV is dumb so streaming is not an option. The ones I have tried have been powered so getting power to the antenna limits placement. I will check out your suggested antennas. Thanks again!

 

[Steve_Catalina]

Any of the Roku units ($40-100) will turn your TV smart for any streaming. Sorry I cannot suggest an external antenna. Good luck

 

[Davidasailor26]

Any of the Roku units ($40-100) will turn your TV smart for any streaming. Sorry I cannot suggest an external antenna. Good luck

That would be my recommendation too. Some of the Roku sticks are cheaper than that even. You can use a cell phone as a hotspot for the Roku to connect to.

 

[Rich Stidger]

Thanks to all who posted. My marina doesn't have WIFI (coming they say ) and my TV is dumb so streaming is not an option. The ones I have tried have been powered so getting power to the antenna limits placement. I will check out your suggested antennas. Thanks again!

The Majestic and others are all powered, but the power required is small - their spec claims 100mA. The power flows up the antenna cable, so installation is very easy. You could hoist the antenna when needed, perhaps from a spreader so that it doesn't bang on the mast.

My TV is dumb as well, and I use a $30 Roku device. The TV does have a HDMI input which is required by the Roku device that I have.

 

[gfrazzle]

Sounds like Roku is the way to go. Thanks guys!