Antenna Question

[dkranz]

What good ideas/locations to mount a VHF transceiver antenna? Our boat is a Mac 26s. Thanks!

[FSMike]

At the top of the mast.

[dkranz]

We have a trailer sailer, and if we are taking the mast down each time, how do you deal with the antenna cable? Just looking for examples of what others do, or solutions to these small difficulties! Thanks!

[Ex-Calif]

Even on a "fixed" mast wiring is never run directly to a buss, equipment or whatever.

There should be quick disconnects at deck level.

Even big sticks come down for maintenance.

VHF is fundamentally line of sight - The VHF gurus will soon calculate for you the transmission range of mast top and rear rail.

For peak performance masthead is best.

[btrayfors]

Here you go....

Catalina Direct: Coax Through Deck Fitting

Bill

[colemj]

Where will you be sailing, and how far from land will you be? Top of mast is best for distance, but for trailering, constantly making/breaking connections and hauling around loose ends that can get easily damaged is a pain. If you will always be relatively close to a coast, a permanently mounted antenna on a rail may be best. Or even a good hand held VHF.

Mark

[dkranz]

We are on Lake Michigan, Cedar River to Door County, Menominee...UP of Michigan. We wont be more than 10 miles away from a shoreline.

[phantomracer]

on our 04 26M, I ran the antenna to the top of the mast, exits at the base. Have a deck fitting for the wiring. Not a problem. Downside is you get 10x the amount of traffic which can get annoying. We use the handheld most of the time. But it is nice to have the built in, with long range (for dsc especially)

[hellosailor]

"Downside is you get 10x the amount of traffic which can get annoying."
Turn up the squelch, the traffic will go away.