Please Recommend a Quality VHF Masthead Antenna

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by Pete7

How does something like this match if its imported into country?

https://www.saltyjohn.com/product-ca.../metzantennas/

John will also sell any length of RG8 you need. Just bought 5m from him so our AIS antenna could also double as a spare VHF if the mast came down.

Well regarded on YBW.

Pete

Over $200 vs $90 for the glomex

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

I recommend you reconsider your pick and look at the CELmar0-1 antenna.

PDF: https://acantennas.com/sites/default.../CELmar0-1.pdf

That's more like it.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/CELmar0-...-/132571766314

$95 and some cable, about $120 in total delivered, I can live with that
Thanks

[Auspicious]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

Fair enough.

Originally Posted by Pete7

How does something like this match if its imported into country?

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

I recommend you reconsider your pick and look at the CELmar0-1 antenna.

Originally Posted by Simi 60

Over $200 vs $90 for the glomex

Here in the US the Metz Manta 6 is available on Amazon for around $60. The antenna S/V Jedi pointed to has the same important characteristics although I don't know the brand.

You can get RG-8X for about .38US/ft. That's okay. I usually use RG-214 but I'm fussy. You can get the coax from somewhere like Home | RF Connection (tell owner Joel Knoblock I sent you). I would get the coax with a PL-259 silver Teflon connector installed on one end. That end goes on the top of the mast. Feed the tail through the mast and to the radio and terminate that end. DO NOT USE THE SHAKESPEARE CRIMP-ON CONNECTORS. They cost too much and are cr@p.

[Max1980]

I still use the antenna that came with the boat 40 years ago. My AIS picks up signals from buoys 55 miles away.
Mast head whip ss antenna. Never had a lightning strike. Think that antenna is the reason. 63 feet off water.

[MicHughV]

Some years back, Gordon West, penned, a very long and detailed article on vhf radios and antenna's. He has several Youtube video's relating to antenna's, ham radio, etc, that may warrant a looksee.

[MicHughV]

Some years back, Gordon West, wrote a pretty detailed analysis of vhf radio's and antenna's, as well, as ham setups.

He also has several Youtube video' expounding the pro's and con's of carious setups.
Might be worth a looksee.

You can google the name Gordon West and be directed to umpteen video's and documents where he describes everything you will likely ever need to know.

Back when I got my ham license, he was a recognized authority on all things radio.

[ka4wja]

Max,
With respect to Hugh (and Gordo, whom I've know and respected for decades), there are other sources of information that are usually a far sight better than Youtube!

And, yes....yes, this is coming from a guy who does recommend his own Youtube videos....
So, I do realize that this sounds a bit like "the pot calling the kettle black", but what I'm trying to say is:

If you desire some basic tips in operating, repairs, etc., youtube is good....but, if you desire the nitty-gritty nothing beats books!
I know, I know....this is the 21st Century and this is the internet after all....so, I do grasp that 95% of sailors here will just read some comments / recommends from fellow sailors, and watch some videos and be happy!
(and, no worries here)
But...
But, if you want more, there is a LOT more available to you...for free! (some of it here on Cruiser's Forum!)


So, in that vein of "more"...
Here are a few facts and some brief experienced recommendations..

Originally Posted by Max1980

I still use the antenna that came with the boat 40 years ago.
Max, on shore I do have a few antennas / coax that are a couple decades old and still working fine....and, on-board, some are ~ 10 years old....BUT...
But, you'll be amazed at how well new coax (with PROPERLY assembled connectors) will improve things for you....(and, no, you do NOT need some expensive/exotic coax...RG-213 is fine, or even some new, high-quality [not marine-store-grade] RG-8x, will do).....and replacing your 40+ yr old antenna with a new antenna, like mine and your 3' SS whip, will be a great idea!!


My AIS picks up signals from buoys 55 miles away.
Max, please remember that many of those "AIS buoys" don't actually transmit from the buoy! Many (most/all?) are "synthetic" AToN's, meaning the AIS signal is transmitted from a shore station (usually covering a rather wide area, like a USCG tower, or NOAA weather tower), others are "virtual" AToN's (meaning the AIS signal is transmitted by the same shore station, but there isn't even a real-world buoy there in the water)
Here's just the first Google result:
https://www.professionalmariner.com/...virtual-buoys/

Also, please remember that VHF radiowave Propagate in many ways, that are not only "line-of-sight"...
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ge-149499.html



Mast head whip ss antenna.
I also use a masthead 3' SS Whip....and it does work well....(as I've said for decades as long as it is fed properly "a half-wave antenna is a half-wave antenna"


Never had a lightning strike.
Count your blessing....
Think that antenna is the reason. 63 feet off water.
But, I doubt the antenna is the reason....maybe
because your mast is well grounded? Or maybe just good luck? (probably more luck and the Grace of the almighty!)

Any way, just wanted to make sure you understand that just because you have good VHF system results with your 40 yr old antenna (and coax) doesn't mean this is typical, and certainly not recommended!

Oh, and btw....I do really hope you have a newer radio?
'Cuz VHF-DSC radios have been with us now for > 20 years....and all you can buy for about 15 years now....


Hope this helps?
Fair winds.

John