Fibreglass Ariel for Rib

D&T · 29 January 2015, 16:40

I have just purchased an Icom M323 for my rib, 5m and now need to decide on the best ariel. I have no A frame and was thinking of a Fibreglass Ariel mounted to the Transom, maybe a Glomax or Shakespeare.

Speaking to a Yacht Chandlers near me, I was told that the fibreglass ones can snap on a rib in heavy weather, does anyone have any experience of this. Further, I was advised to purchase a regular stainless 1m ariel ( a V-tronix rib raider was recommended) and transom mount, as there would be no significant difference on range. Again any views on this?

My cruising area is the River Crouch and Blackwater, rarely more than 6 miles from land and I believe not that far from the Coastguard stations in case of an emergency call. Again any advise would be welcome

Thanks

Salty John · 29 January 2015, 17:02

Get yourself a 1m whip antenna and mount it on a pole, 1.5m or so is fine. This gives some degree of elevation, which translates to range, and a nice fat radiation pattern that keeps some portion of it pointing at the horizon as the boat rocks around. This is the best of all worlds.
A tall fibreglass antenna has a thin radiation pattern - more pizza than doughnut - and is susceptible to breakage/delamination. The USCG switched from fibreglass to Metz steel whips on their small, fast boats as a result of breakage costs.

Chris · 30 January 2015, 08:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by D&T

( a V-tronix rib raider was recommended) Thanks

Dont bother with the RibRaider they are a waste of time IMO and very limited range.

A decent 1Meter whip or fibreglass will be fine.

paintman · 30 January 2015, 09:38

Concur with the rib raider type. Very disappointing.

jambo · 30 January 2015, 09:40

Well imo their fine had one for ten years and operates fine in the west of Scotland.

Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

Johnscubanut · 30 January 2015, 13:51

Yep, snapped 2 fibreglass ones at sea! Wasn't impressed with signal quality of the raider either. Now got a 1 m stainless whip on top of A frame. Good so far!!

D&T · 30 January 2015, 17:16

Thank you for your replies everyone. I found SaltyJohns phone number via his website and he was very helpful as he explained the best way of installing the antenna and the options available. Even said he will email me some further details/drawing.

Great forum and very helpful, thanks

mick · 30 January 2015, 17:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by D&T

Thank you for your replies everyone. I found SaltyJohns phone number via his website and he was very helpful as he explained the best way of installing the antenna and the options available. Even said he will email me some further details/drawing.

Great forum and very helpful, thanks

I have Metz on mine excellent bit of kit

D&T · 11 February 2015, 20:09

Following the advise/drawings from Salty John, I purchased everything I needed from him. Now all installed and working great. I would like to say a great service and would recommend to anyone wanting antenna advise or parts.

Wibs · 11 February 2015, 21:27

+1 for Salty.

Just ordered the Metz for my rib.

Installation to follow....

9D280 · 12 February 2015, 20:57

I have a Shakespeare and a raider. Both have so far survived 6 years use.

Fwiw I think the original raiders were much less robust- mine (newer design) has met the garage door at least 3 times and still works fine.

CMarine · 28 February 2015, 21:19

Hi. I have tried and test many antenna commercially. There are two good makes, V-tronix and Glowmex both of which will give good performance and reasonable life. But if you want the best by far is Pacific antenna pro range from NZ. Performance and range is about the same but the difference comes in the quality of manufacture and the antenna unscrews with no need for plugs, rewires ect and if damage occurs (As all rib antenna are vonerable)it takes seconds to replace.

Chris · 01 March 2015, 11:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMarine

Hi. I have tried and test many antenna commercially. There are two good makes, V-tronix and Glowmex both of which will give good performance and reasonable life. But if you want the best by far is Pacific antenna pro range from NZ. Performance and range is about the same but the difference comes in the quality of manufacture and the antenna unscrews with no need for plugs, rewires ect and if damage occurs (As all rib antenna are vonerable)it takes seconds to replace.

+1 its just a shame that no one really imports the range now. Force 4 have a couple of items but I cant find a source for the extension cables, antenna mounts etc.

CMarine · 01 March 2015, 21:44

Watch this space

I can get hold of most Pacific pro currently just takes a bit of time. but soon will have it instantly...

Jeff · 02 March 2015, 19:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMarine

Watch this space

I can get hold of most Pacific pro currently just takes a bit of time. but soon will have it instantly...

Good :-) the pro range are great in my experience. Keep us posted
Jeff