Pole Mount for AIS Antenna

[timberboat]

Next winter I intend to mount my AIS antenna at the masthead, but for now I want to install it on a pole at the stern. I have a 6 foot length of 1" stainless tubing that I need to secure to the pushpit rails.
The only place I can put the pole means clamping it to the horizontal rails.
Does anyone know of any stainless clamps that might help me achieve a tidy looking installation? I really don't want to go the hose clamp and duct tape route!

[Pete7]

Plastimo do a square black plastic widget about 1.5" square with 4 bolts that will hold a vertical pole to a horizontal rail. Nomally used for life rings and throw ropes but our local chandlers sold them loose. We then secured the base of the pole to the deck. Its been there nearly 2 years without a problem, oh and it holds the stern light above the dinghy. Fits 1" poles exactly.

Pete

[speciald@ocens.]

Are you talking about a transponder or reciever? You can buy an antenna splitter for your VHF antenna for less money than a stern pole. The Raymarine unit has a splitter built in. The GPS antenna just needs a view of the horizon. I've not noticed any degradation of the VHF.

[Sandero]

I did the same thing and simply lashed it on with scores of hitches in 1/6" line covering electrician's tape; It's solid as it needs to be.

[capt_douglas]

The AIS antenna weighs far less than the coax/power cable to connect it. You might consider temporaily attaching it to your backstay. You won't have quite the reception range but it should give you a chance to play with and get used to it.

[daddle]

Use a COMAR ASR-100 antenna splitter, or equivalent. It's trivial to install. A separate antenna has too many negative aspects: weight, drag, cost.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by daddle

Use a COMAR ASR-100 antenna splitter, or equivalent. It's trivial to install. A separate antenna has too many negative aspects: weight, drag, cost.

The pole from the chandlers plus the Plastimo brackets came to about $50, means one less join in the main VHF cable and the AIS antenna could be used in an emergency for the VHF.

Pete

[timberboat]

Redundancy is a good thing.