Vhf antenna

Bad Obsession

Bad Obsession

.
May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
I am starting from scratch and I am going to run brand house VHF system in my boat this year. This being said, I am pretty much decided on using the RG-8/X cable. I have already bought my cable clam deck pass-through for RG-8/X cable and I am sticking with that. I will probably re-run my anchor light wire and cable tie it with the RG-8/X cable to keep from having mast slap out of the wires inside of the mast.

I need a new antenna since I don't have one. I am not looking for something that is top of the line but I don't want bottom of the line either. What is a good brand antenna for a good price? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

I have heard all sorts of comments about different brands and I am basically looking at:
1. Shakespeare 5215-C-X Classic VHF/AIS Antenna
2. Metz 206 Manta-6 VHF Antenna

Other important information:
Boat: 1989 Compac 23/3
Mast Length: 25'
Estimated Coax Run: <35'

The mast is stepped each year as I put her on a trailer. I use a connection out of the cable clam deck pass through of Barrel connector for PL-259-ended cables so I can disconnect the VHF cable at the mast.

The radio is a Standard Horizon DC2150 with AIS receiver and DSC. It will be networked to a Garmin 441s.
 
woodster

woodster

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Sep 15, 2009
6,244
S2 9.2a Fairhope Al
metz is the only one to get they guarantee it for life no questions asked
 
Don S/V ILLusion

Don S/V ILLusion

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Sep 25, 2008
7,668
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
Although generalities are always dangerous, I am always skeptical of things labeled 'marine'. Antennas included. There are a few companies which make VHF antennas for commercial and amateur use of better quality and less cost than either Metz or Shakespeare.

The following offer antennas which are heavy wall, high(re) strength aluminum, low loss high strength mounting brackets with SS clamps and hardware:
Hustler
Comet
Crushcraft, and
Larsen.
Some trimming would be necessary for proper resonance but I'm sure that is easily within your skill set.
 
woodster

woodster

.
Sep 15, 2009
6,244
S2 9.2a Fairhope Al
Don S/V ILLusion said:
Although generalities are always dangerous, I am always skeptical of things labeled 'marine'. Antennas included. There are a few companies which make VHF antennas for commercial and amateur use of better quality and less cost than either Metz or Shakespeare.

The following offer antennas which are heavy wall, high(re) strength aluminum, low loss high strength mounting brackets with SS clamps and hardware:
Hustler
Comet
Crushcraft, and
Larsen.
Some trimming would be necessary for proper resonance but I'm sure that is easily within your skill set.
Click to expand
that's good information don but if you go look at the coasties rigs you will find them on their vessels ...i agree that you will have to trim what ever you get...... vhf is not just plug and play there is swr to contend with...... sometimes you get lucky and it is good the first time but for the most part they have to be trimmed
 
woodster

woodster

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Sep 15, 2009
6,244
S2 9.2a Fairhope Al
njlarry said:
Trimmed in place or trimmed on the ground?
Click to expand
some time the swr is to high and you have to trim the coax it reduce it to an acceptable level ..it like tuning a carburetor trial and error ......you have to have an swr meter and take a reading to see if you are ok and if not start trimming of the length of the coax 3/4 plus or minus of an inch at a time to get a good reading ...it can be an event ...it's best to get a radio tech to help with this or maybe a ham operator friend ...to answer your question it is best to do it in place because that is how you are going to use it


chris patterson i think is up on the subject a lot better than i and may be able to explain it better or anyone with ham expertise for that matter
 
Don S/V ILLusion

Don S/V ILLusion

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Sep 25, 2008
7,668
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
woodster said:
that's good information don but if you go look at the coasties rigs you will find them on their vessels ...i agree that you will have to trim what ever you get...... vhf is not just plug and play there is swr to contend with...... sometimes you get lucky and it is good the first time but for the most part they have to be trimmed
Click to expand
Having been in the CG, I can attest to that. We've all heard of $700 toilet seats too. I just wanted to offer some alternatives.

Larry - the purpose of trimming is to change the resonant length which won't change regardless of where done.
 
Rick D

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,201
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
I have the Shakespeare as a second antenna for my below-decks VHF which I share with my AIS. Anyhow, a cosmetic issue: the mast rusts and makes a mess. It must be 306 SS or some other bastardized alloy. Probably doesn't interfere with the function, but enough to push me to the Metz.
 
Bad Obsession

Bad Obsession

.
May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
I just bought the Metz. I found it for a cheap price on-line. We will see how this goes. I am excited to get this wired and running but it will be a bit before I get to it.
 
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