VHF Antenna for A Frame

[Simon666]

Hi

I just bought a new icom radio.

What suggestions can you give for a decent but cheap antenna to go on the A frame?

Thanks.

[GJ0KYZ]

Spend as much as you can on the antenna; make sure the coax is of good quality at least.

[Chris Caton]

these seem to be very popular, thinking of getting one myself

Salty John: Metz Manta Marine VHF Antenna plus Metz AIS antenna and other fine boat and yacht chandlery products.

[Trevor G]

Originally Posted by Chris Caton

these seem to be very popular, thinking of getting one myself

Salty John: Metz Manta Marine VHF Antenna plus Metz AIS antenna and other fine boat and yacht chandlery products.

I've got these - great performance and easy to take the whip off if you want to reduce the height of your rig.

Previously I had Rib Raider antennas but always had problems with water getting into the connector under the antenna.

Trev

[Rokraider]

I have Procoms stainless whip aerials on both my RIBs. They work well and it is worth buying their aerial cable with the swaged ends with removable plugs as well, makes it easy to pass through conduit etc.
MA 2-1 SC - PROCOM A/S - Marine VHF Antenna with Low Weight and Wind Load for Masthead Mounting
Price is in the £55 + VAT region.

[Oscarguitar]

Try a Glomex whip antenna, they come with the cable so you don't have worry about getting the right sort.

[Simon666]

Thanks everyone.
I went for a Glomex GRP 1.5m antenna with a deck fitting which allows for it to be folded down when towing and the cover is on.
Yet to try it out.

[boristhebold]

Ive just changed mine, was using a vitronix whip aerial, pretty crap performance in general. Have now changed to a Shakespeare GRP type of aerial, yes more expensive by a long way but having just tried it on my boat which is about 14 miles from the sea inland (onland) and was able to pick up the small boat channel traffic from poole harbour on ch 77 ! So pretty impressed.

[Seaflyer02]

One tip which I am sure you are all aware of - make sure the aerial is fitted as high as possible and vertical this gives the maximum performance (range), and not swept back to make it look cool.

[rib1948]

Originally Posted by Seaflyer02

make sure the aerial is fitted as high as possible and vertical this gives the maximum performance (range), and not swept back to make it look cool.

In particular high gain antenna must be mounted vertical
Wilhelm

[Robbie Diesel]

I Just fitted this one from shakespeare, got it via Amazon. Its a marine antenna with a neat folding feature built in. The whip is spring loaded into the base, the spring pulls the whip into a stainless steel tapered seat, so all you have to do is lift the antenna & fold it over. Very handy

[BogMonster]

Pacific antenna for me now, easily removable as it just unscrews. It also removes easily when you back it into the garage and forget to take it off but at least it's easy to change!

[Searider]

Originally Posted by BogMonster

Pacific antenna for me now, easily removable as it just unscrews. It also removes easily when you back it into the garage and forget to take it off but at least it's easy to change!

Hi,

Which one?

Regards

D

[BogMonster]

Seamaster, I now have the 0.45m version and the 1m version which can be swapped in 30 sec.

The former is a soft 'rubber duck' type whip, like a bigger version of what you would find on a handheld radio, while the latter is made of a stiff steel/fibreglass mix (or something similar) and will snap. As I found out

Pacific Aerials Seamaster Pro VHF Helical Antenna - 1.0m - Only £23.95 - Force 4 Chandlery

I have a through deck mount on a plate on the A frame:

Pacific Seamaster Pro Through Deck Mount c/w 5m cable | allGadgets Marine

Be aware the 5m cable on this isn't long enough to reach the radio if your console is well forward like mine, I had to join mine under the helm seat.

I haven't tried to objectively compare the range but going on 'what I can hear where' there doesn't immediately seem to be a lot of difference from my limited observation so far.

[Markyboyo]

Its becoming hard to find Pacific kit in the UK now as they are no longer being imported apparently. I've ordered 2 seamasters pro's and each time the supplier has emailed me to say they are out of stock and won't be getting any more.

I've decided to go for a Metz Manta now.

Mark.

[BogMonster]

I got both aerials recently after my little garage incident with no problem. Maybe I was just lucky.

[Searider]

A friend of mine manages the force4 stores in Hamble do I've asked if she can get the items for me.

I emailed Pacific and they suggested a couple of boatbuilders may be able to supply.

I'll let you know how I get on.

I wonder what's involved in being their uk distributor.....

[Copinsay]

Originally Posted by Trevor G

I've got these - great performance and easy to take the whip off if you want to reduce the height of your rig.

Previously I had Rib Raider antennas but always had problems with water getting into the connector under the antenna.

Trev