Which VHF Antenna

Deekus · 16 January 2015, 12:48

All

I bought an Icom VHF/DSC radio at the boat show this week which will be linked to my Garmin plotter but need some advice regards an antenna. My rib has never had one fitted.

I have trawled the threads/posts on Ribnet relevant to this subject and while there is plenty of advice and tips, a lot of the information seems to be based on preference and opinion.

So my question is:
Are there a number of excellent reliable antenna's to choose from with equal good performance?
Ive been looking at Saltys 'Metz' and the V-Tronix rib raider.

Also ideally I will mount the chosen antenna on the horizontal plate on top of the A-Frame for maximum transmission, but this raises the question of fitting the boat cover. Ive seen and read posts of ribbers mounting the antenna on the side of the A-Frame.
Does anybody have personal experience of reduced reception with this set-up?

Help

boristhebold · 16 January 2015, 14:29

Ive had several vitonix rib raider type small aerials, 2 got bent in dry stack and I didnt find the reception all that great when they wern't bent. Finally went for it and have a 1.2m shakespeare aerial fitted on a mounting on top of A frame which you can fold back (to avoid dry stack issues) very pleased, reception is excellent.

shame your cover would get in the way as my current setup would be good.

rules of thumb

buy cheap aerial and expect poor reception
longer is better (VHF line of sight)
yes a frame may give some interference if mount aerial on side of it
higher and longer is ideal (you want aeriel mounted as high as possible)
quality connections to vhf set (some connectors are poor), try the gold type which you solder the inner core bit.
Quality VHF cable also

do some research on internet also helps.

Deekus · 16 January 2015, 14:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by boristhebold

Ive had several vitonix rib raider type small aerials, 2 got bent in dry stack and I didnt find the reception all that great when they wern't bent. Finally went for it and have a 1.2m shakespeare aerial fitted on a mounting on top of A frame which you can fold back (to avoid dry stack issues) very pleased, reception is excellent.

shame your cover would get in the way as my current setup would be good.

rules of thumb

buy cheap aerial and expect poor reception
longer is better (VHF line of sight)
yes a frame may give some interference if mount aerial on side of it
higher and longer is ideal (you want aeriel mounted as high as possible)
quality connections to vhf set (some connectors are poor), try the gold type which you solder the inner core bit.
Quality VHF cable also

do some research on internet also helps.

Thanks for the reply Boris

All good advice. Will give the folding bracket some thought as not a fan of A-Frame side mounted antenna's for lack of height reasons.

Cheers

the moose · 16 January 2015, 15:50

Look at the pacific model ,there mast is available in 2 sizes and they un screw if required (good quality) i have this type regards moose.

jeffstevens763@g · 16 January 2015, 17:46

Deekus

My antenna is shaped like a spring about 12inches high with a large nut below the A frame plate which I undo and flop the antenna over to fit the cover don't know the make but it's with a garmin radio
Regards jeff

jeffstevens763@g · 16 January 2015, 18:11

Deekus

Luck on cactus 53 products mine looks like being a Shakespeare

Regards jeff

Fender · 16 January 2015, 18:42

I've run the v-tropic type in the past, never had a problem in and around the solent, you also regularly hear transmissions from the other side of the channel which suggest the range is fairly good

SPR · 16 January 2015, 18:52

might be of use

http://www.icomuk.co.uk/Choosing-the...F-Marine-Radio

s.

www.firstaidatsea.co.uk
www.SPRmarine.co.uk

desertrat · 16 January 2015, 18:56

We have a metz aerial from Salty John and its been brilliant, both transmit and receive. Whip can be removed in about 10 seconds with a 10mm spanner if your putting a cover on.

Rokraider · 16 January 2015, 19:58

I run Procom MA2-1SC 156-162MHz 0dB S/Steel Whip Antennas on both my RIBs. Have been very pleased with their operation.

spartacus · 16 January 2015, 21:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by desertrat

We have a metz aerial from Salty John and its been brilliant, both transmit and receive. Whip can be removed in about 10 seconds with a 10mm spanner if your putting a cover on.

+1 for Metz.

wavelength · 16 January 2015, 21:46

+1 Metz. Much better than the rib raider. Just unscrew from its plug/base to put the boat cover on.

Deekus · 16 January 2015, 22:56

Thanks for all info and advice

Peter_C · 16 January 2015, 23:50

I went for the 8 foot antenna that produced the longest range. (If rough water is the norm, there is a blurb at the end stating their thoughts on the best antenna.)

http://www.llelectronics.com/docs/aw...HFAntennas.pdf

Robbie Diesel · 17 January 2015, 00:07

This is what I went for, a Shakespeare "Lift n Lay" antenna that have a really neat built in folding mechanism. Much neater than a folding bracket set up.

Pikey Dave · 17 January 2015, 09:47

I've had all sorts of antennas over the years, vtronix ( not as good as they used to be) The ribraider is a waste of space. Glomex are ok, my next boat will have Metz. Just as important is coax & quality of connections.

.....sh1t happens.......

Chris · 17 January 2015, 16:35

Pacific make ideal rib aerials. Unfortunately no one imports them anymore.

A1an · 17 January 2015, 17:10

I went with an Alpha One. Seems ok, looks like good solid build quality but time will tell.

jambo · 17 January 2015, 17:41

And heres me still banging out on my 10 year old Rib raider no wonder I dont get any replies!!

Razorbill RIBs · 17 January 2015, 19:56

Agreeing with most previous....

Ribraider.... Best avoided IMO (sorry Jambo

Pacific..... Great if you get them (non being imported), and my choice if you could get one, esp. Like the 400mm flexi ones (can also screw different masts on to common base)
Given the above.... I'd go Metz. In fact, had excellent service from salty john this week in replacing the lost (our fault) whip off a Metz (only £15 delivered).... Great to be able to replace components