Beneteau missing VHF antenna - where, what and how to install?

[George_SD]

Looks like the previous owner removed the antenna, which was mounted to the top edge of the transom. There is a hole with no cable. I plan on pulling the radio out to see if anything at all is plugged into it. However, at this point my assumption that there is no cable in the mast (At least I don't see how i can find that out, it is a furling mast too) and no cable to the last known location. Radio still works - receives and transmits, but i imagine the range is compromised.

From what I read - mast mounted is best, but this is likely to be difficult to pull off without unstepping it. So as an immediate solution I want to mount a new antenna either to one of the two backstays (they are two going to each corner of the stern) or directly on the transom in the location the old one was.

Mast mounted are usually short 3db ones, is that still what is recommending for deck mounting?

Thoughts, ideas, suggestions?

Beneteau 323 2005

[Jammer]

For a backstay mount look at the Kato one along with a smaller, lighter antenna as you propose. Some riggers don't like anything that attaches to the standing rigging with clamps because it can concentrate stress though, and would advocate seizing items like that in place.



Or look at the Shakepeare 5400, 4' long, suitable for mounting on the transom or stern rail. Less likely to poke someone in the eye and will perform a little better especially in that application.