New Radio Anttena

jmoneilthe2

jmoneilthe2

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Location
Woodville, Florida
Model
Seafarer
Like most GW Seafarers, the radio antenna is mounted on the side. I am adding a Radar and Radar Mount to my boat and want to install a new radio antenna on the top of the Radar Mount. I was wondering if anyone has suggestions on which kind of antenna I should get and how tall. My current antenna is very tall and I have seen shorter ones, but don't know if they receive and transmit as well as the taller ones.
Thanks for your help.
 
VHF is line of sight, so the taller your antenna, the greater range you have. That said, how difficult will it be to raise/lower if you’re trailering?
 
Shorter antennas will have less gain than longer ones, The line of sight operation is important to understand but note that in some instances, you may have line of sight but not a strong enough signal. There may be guidelines as to the minimum distance to the radar dome a VHF antenna be mounted. I am not sure but suggest you ask the manufacturer of the radar you plan on using.
The following link has some good information on VHF antenna considerations.

 
I did some research about antenna placement and radar scanners.
This article summed up a lot of what I read
www.fcmarine.co.uk

Marine AIS & VHF Antenna Placement – 7 Essential Tips for Better Offshore Range

Marine AIS and VHF antenna placement guide covering masthead antennas, radar arch installations, antenna height, separation distances, cable routing and offshore communication performance for sailboats, powerboats and commercial vessels.
www.fcmarine.co.uk www.fcmarine.co.uk

That said, I still can't give a simple answer to the question of where to mount an antenna when there is a radar scanning device nearby
 
I never really thought about radar vs VHF... but I'm thinking it must be fine? There are many, many, many boats running radar with VHF's nearby. Also radars with light poles very close. Would be a great question to ask the radar manufacturer for clarification... as long as they don't give a pre-recorded CYA answer :)

Along the Shakespeare line - look at the 5225XT. There IS a difference in components use, build quality, performance and longevity.
 
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