VHF Antenna recommendations?

[Feral Cement]

I might take the masthead antenna of unknown pedigree and vintage, and mount it on the arch as a backup or FM antenna (or both). What would be a good primary unit to mount at 44 feet above the waterline? Should I look for the max db rating to reach out the greatest distance? Thanks!

John

[roaring40th]

hi
Try one of this
SUPERGAIN - Marine and Mobile Antennas - GAMMA PRODOTTI

[jeremiason]

Here we go again

Search VHF Antennas and you should have your answer, which like anchors causes a huge debate...

Here are a couple of old discussions:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ht=vhf+antenna

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ht=vhf+antenna

[El Rubio]

Think of your antenna's broadcast pattern as like the light from a lightbulb. Light shines out horizontally and vertically. Antenna gain is the focusing of that energy, like the light from a lightbulb, into a narrower pattern. There's no actual increase in power, just less power sent upwards. So as you increase gain in a typical VHF marine antenna, the signal is being flattened out to more of a doughnut shape. The problem on a sailboat is if the signal is too flat, the signal will not be sent along the horizon, but into the sea and sky when heeled over. It's best to stay with the 3dB antennas because it still has significant amount of power in the vertical plane. It will perform well when heeled.

[delmarrey]

I've had a Metz for a long time which has worked great. As well, when I pulled the mast for some upgrades I needed to do some weather repairs. Richard Metz sent me new weather seals and caps for free.


.

[continuouswave]

The GAM ELECTRONICS SS-2 antenna has been working well for me for seven years. See

continuousWave: Whaler: Reference: VHF Antenna

for details.

[silversailor]

Equally, if not more important, is the cable. Look up or consult with someone with electronics experience on the best cable to use. I have a standard Metz antenna and an Icom VHF, not much different from many boats, but can receive transmissions from much linger distances than many others. I attribute this to higher quality cable and installation.

[El Rubio]

Yeah, there's some spirited debate on cable type and connectors in one of the links on Jeremiason's post.