Radio antenna on tower options

[slickstick]

Is it possible to have a more "covert" radio antenna setup that will be functional with decent range? Can you get decent reception without the antenna extending ABOVE the tower but instead being only a foot or two long and running parallel next to it, so it's not an eyesore?

I was thinking if I could get something along these lines for nearshore that worked for what I need 99% of the time and could have a second longer antenna to swap out (screw out/screw into the same base?) for something like a Bimini run on occasion would be ideal.

Post up the most slick radio antenna options for towers and how it has worked out for you.

 

[Julian]

The taller your antenna sits, the better your range. Shakespeare does sell a swappable screw on base....it is what I installed, not because I want to use a short antenna but because much of the time I don't need my radio, so I just remove the antenna.

 

[slickstick]

The taller your antenna sits, the better your range. Shakespeare does sell a swappable screw on base....it is what I installed, not because I want to use a short antenna but because much of the time I don't need my radio, so I just remove the antenna.

Yea I understand the concept. Just wondering what kind of range I could get with a short antenna running parallel to the tower. I don't want to add an eyesore of an antenna and definitely don't want to make the boat any taller.

 

[Babin Farms]

Having the antenna next to the tower will create interference. It is best to have it extend above the tower. Like @Julian said, Shakespeare makes a quick connect antenna & base where the antenna unscrews from the mount.

 

[slickstick]

Having the antenna next to the tower will create interference. It is best to have it extend above the tower. Like @Julian said, Shakespeare makes a quick connect antenna & base where the antenna unscrews from the mount.

I understand it wouldn't be optimum. I wonder if anyone has tried it and if it's usable and if so at what kind of range. My thought is if I can get a couple miles with a small antenna I keep on most the time that would do the trick and have a longer one to swap out which would extend above the tower for more range.

 

[Julian]

I understand it wouldn't be optimum. I wonder if anyone has tried it and if it's usable and if so at what kind of range. My thought is if I can get a couple miles with a small antenna I keep on most the time that would do the trick and have a longer one to swap out which would extend above the tower for more range.

If all you need is a couple of miles, a handheld will do that, and a short fixed mount will do way more than 2...probably more like 5-15 depending on height mounted. Personally I like the look of an antenna on a boat.

 

[slickstick]

If all you need is a couple of miles, a handheld will do that, and a short fixed mount will do way more than 2...probably more like 5-15 depending on height mounted. Personally I like the look of an antenna on a boat.

View attachment 137779

Yea the only thing I don't like about a handheld is the charging aspect, and the option to swap a large antenna for open water would be nice.

You think I could get 5+ miles with a short antenna alongside the tower? That would be awesome!

 

[Julian]

Yea the only thing I don't like about a handheld is the charging aspect, and the option to swap a large antenna for open water would be nice.

You think I could get 5+ miles with a short antenna alongside the tower? That would be awesome!

I'd put the short antenna on top....they are thin whips that are barely visible. That way when you want the full reach you'll have it.

 

[Julian]

This is what I'd get:

QC-3 3' QuickConnect™ VHF Marine Band Antenna | West Marine

Check out our QC-3 3' QuickConnect™ VHF Marine Band Antenna and more from West Marine!

www.westmarine.com

Mount it on top of your tower. Will be barely visible.

 

[slickstick]

I'd put the short antenna on top....they are thin whips that are barely visible. That way when you want the full reach you'll have it.

I go under bridges with literally an inch or two clearance, so really don't want to raise the height.

 

[Julian]

I go under bridges with literally an inch or two clearance, so really don't want to raise the height.

Then I'd mount it to the side of the tower with the base below the highest point, but as high as you can. Many have attached theirs to the side plate on the tower.

 

[Julian]

Check out this thread for details:

https://jetboaters.net/threads/my-trip-down-the-vhf-antenna-rabbit-hole.16678/

 

[slickstick]

Then I'd mount it to the side of the tower with the base below the highest point, but as high as you can. Many have attached theirs to the side plate on the tower.

Cool .. thanks. Yea if like to mount it so the short antenna is right at the top of tower height and then if I swap it out the longer antenna would be at a nice height.

Anyone have a recommendation and want me link me to a radio and antenna(s) they would recommend?

Also is there a mount that will clip onto the tower similar to how the wakeboard racks mount?

 

[Julian]

Here are pics of the mount I used and radio

https://jetboaters.net/threads/my-2016-yamaha-242x-thread-more-photos-added-6-14-19.9464/page-10#post-286538

Also linked in my signature under 242X link (if you don't see my signature turn your phone on its side)

 

[zipper]

...Personally I like the look of an antenna on a boat.

I guess I am stuck in the 80's, back when I was at UCF...I like the look of "an antenna" enough on the tower, that I mounted two. Quick connects are great. The other is for AM/FM. Ran the wiring in the tower.

 

[Babin Farms]

I guess I am stuck in the 80's, back when I was at UCF...I like the look of "an antenna" enough on the tower, that I mounted two. Quick connects are great. The other is for AM/FM. Ran the wiring in the tower.

I’d have an AM/FM antenna like you but the wife has her phone connected via Bluetooth with her Pandora boating playlist going in our boat a majority of the time.

 

[slickstick]

This is what I'd get:

QC-3 3' QuickConnect™ VHF Marine Band Antenna | West Marine

Check out our QC-3 3' QuickConnect™ VHF Marine Band Antenna and more from West Marine!

www.westmarine.com

Mount it on top of your tower. Will be barely visible.

Looks like they make those in 3, 4, and 8 ft antennas. If they had a 1ft that would be awesome for nearshore and then I could swap out for a 3 or 4 ft antenna when needed and it would extend above the tower.

 

[tdonoughue]

I am counter-cultural. I mounted mine to the top of the hull just behind the tower. Yes, it does not let the radio reach 15 miles, but I don't go offshore (lakes only) and it works for me. And I don't have to worry about removing the antenna for bridges or to store the boat (or rather, I don't have to forget the antenna and break it off). Never really tested how far it goes, exactly, but have always been able to reach all the way across the lake (~2-3 miles).

For the wiring, I just ran it up over the gunnel and then pushed it behind the cushion there. Ran it behind the cushions, up to the radio. Not as clean as I will make it someday, but it works and I don't think anyone but me notices the white wire running up the 1" of white gelcoat to the antenna.

 

[Elliott]

What are you most concerned about - safety or you want to communicate with others for non-safety reasons?

I have a portable VHF that I keep loaded with AA batteries (I have extras on the boat); it should provide coverage up to 6 miles (3-8 miles is the general rule). After that, I have a Garmin InReach satellite communicator - coverage is global. The InReach SOS function contacts GEOS, and they will text you to determine the nature of your problem (catastrophic needing the Coast Guard to simply need Sea Tow / Tow Boats US). If you do not respond to their reply to your SOS, they send first responders to your position as they track you. You can also text any cell phone with routine messages (both predetermined and composed at the moment, and they can reply).

 

[Babin Farms]

Looks like they make those in 3, 4, and 8 ft antennas. If they had a 1ft that would be awesome for nearshore and then I could swap out for a 3 or 4 ft antenna when needed and it would extend above the tower.

Just get a mount that you can tip down while you go under bridges and such and flip it up when you are past. I have the same issues in some places I boat and it is the route I'm going with mounting my antenna.

Shakespeare Heavy Duty Ratchet Mount

The Shakespeare Heavy Duty Ratchet Mount at Wholesale Marine features a quick action handle that makes raising and lowering the antenna much easier.

www.wholesalemarine.com

Here is a good article on VHF and range

Marine VHF Radio Range

The real deal on VHF marine radio range.

www.boatingmag.com