I expect this has been mentioned over and over again, but could i have some advice which aerial would suit a 6.5m rib, shall be looking to fix on the A-frame needs to be top quality, with best reception.
I know height etc makes a difference, hence why it shall be placed at the highest position.
Any help with what cable, plugs and aerial.
Based in the solent, so sometimes varies on line of sight.
The plug will be a PL259 suited to small diameter 50ohm coax; it should come with the antenna. If not, you can buy them by the skip load from Waters and Stanton. As for the antenna itself - the longer the better. Don't buy a shortened 'Rib' model as they are compromised in terms of efficiency. A full-length stainless steel whip is probably best as it can bounce around and not cause too much strain to its mount due to its low weight.
I used to use a stainless whip, but I found over time that the metal fatigued where the whip went into the mount and would eventually snap. That, plus the little retaining screw would come loose and I'd loose the odd wire. (That was solved with a little Lock-tite).
I've been using a 5' glass antenna more recently, on a folding mount. It doubles as my dive flag mast as well, with a couple of nylon D-rings zip-tied to it.
I do have a wire whip style under my seat for a spare however, as well as a connector which allows to attach it to my hand-held VHF.
