VHF antenna recommendations for 18ft RIB

wild.coast · 26 June 2024, 05:47

icom 25W fixed VHF, need an antenna. What would you guys recommend?

Going to mount it off the transom on a folding mount (so it can fold flat with the hull when putting the boat cover on)

18ft zodiac, flattish bottom, so definitely gets thrown around in the waves so I'm assuming something durable would be good, but I have no context!

spartacus · 26 June 2024, 16:23

Metz Manta 6 antenna (whip). Made in the US. The US coastguard use them too. You may want to think about a collapsible pole - as height is the name of the game. I suppose it depends on boat traffic and your local coastguard station.

Solder the coax cable ends with the connectors. They have stainless brackets, etc.
https://www.metzantennas.com/product/manta-6/

willk · 26 June 2024, 19:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by spartacus

You may want to think about a collapsible pole - as height is the name of the game.

My thoughts exactly, he might even stick a nav pod on there too, solve his other issue...

Nav Pod Linky

Peter_C · 27 June 2024, 03:59

I use a Shakespeare 5225XT Galaxy 7.75ft. Oddly enough they offer this shorter version than the normal 8ft antenna as it is cheaper to ship in the USA. I bought mine for $133US at Home Depot dot com, but now they are far more expensive at $174US. Good antenna but slightly more pricey when not on sale. I would buy the same antenna again, and researched antennas before buying Shakespeare.

My past 4.2m Zodiac I had the exact same antenna mounted to the transom on the inside so it folded into the boat next to the tube. My current AB it is attached to the console giving it decent height and the location is out of the way on the starboard side almost over the tube. It is set up to fold forward tucking under the bow cleat on top of the bow.

willk · Yesterday, 12:05

No general reflection on Shakespeare, but I bought a budget unit of theirs recently - basically a 1.4m fiberglass model. It failed after install - I hadda rip the entire thing back to the VHF - a complete mare. As chance would have it, I replaced with the same model - seems to be working well. I wasn't impressed with what fell outta the failed unit when I opened it.

Matt · Yesterday, 17:32

I don’t like my Shakespeare dorsal fin one. Didn’t expect great range, but it’s just too poor. On the other boat I have a Bantem 1.5m GRP one and it seems decent. Despite being mounted pretty low, it seems to work well enough.

Pikey Dave · Yesterday, 17:52

Never rated Shakespeare antennas, even in my teenage CB days they were the bargain basement end. Very plasticky & cheaply made. Vtronix used to be the goto antenna for consumer use, but they have gone downhill, the RIB raider is a prime example. I have Procomm antennas on the current RIB on the recommendation of ICOM, they are commercial units, pricey but you can see where the money goes.

Peter_C · Yesterday, 18:22

https://www.practical-sailor.com/mar...f-antenna-test

willk · Yesterday, 18:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_C

https://www.practical-sailor.com/mar...f-antenna-test

Thanks, a little cheery news

Matt · Yesterday, 19:58

Yeah, I avoided rib raider because of what I read here.

The bantam one is a bit big, but at the end of the day, I want decent range. I think I’ll put the same on the rib a-frame imminently.

willk · Yesterday, 20:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

Yeah, I avoided rib raider because of what I read here.

Probably some of my comments - complete rubbish in my experience. They work and then they fail.

Matt · Yesterday, 21:12

Yes, that’s my recollection, so it was probably your post.

paulbrown22 · Yesterday, 22:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

Yeah, I avoided rib raider because of what I read here.

I did search here first a few weeks ago and found the same feedback, but ended up fitting a Rib Raider to a friend's boat mainly because of the size/price. I suspect it will get smashed off before it fails anyway given his penchant for low bridges (which is precisely why I was replacing it!)...

Personally for a smaller antenna on my boats I'd probably go with Metz given all the positive feedback.

willk · Today, 10:50

Just in case anyone else is wondering:

Rib Raider Good Points:
Looks good
Great name
Compact

Rib Raider Bad Points:
Rusts after a couple of seasons
Snaps if pushed sideways a little
Prone to internal failure - no comms

Pikey Dave · Today, 12:07

Are Metz still available? IIRC Salty John was the agent & he gave up, not seen or heard of them in a while. Good bit of kit in the day.