Locating VHF antenna on Freedom 225

[Graybeard]

Hi guys
I have a Freedom 225 and only have a handheld VHF radio. My GPS is mounted in the dash and I was thinking about a fixed amount VHF with an 8' antenna, but have no idea where to mount either. Plus the though of cutting holes in my boat is frightening. I installed a VHf bad 9.6" antenna on my old Parker 21, but that was different

 

[Parthery]

If you are afraid to cut a big hole, do a Std Horizon 1600 or 1700 with the remote mic option. The radio mounts under the console and the mic is all that's on your dash.

Mount the ratchet and antenna on the outside gunwale...parallel with you...so you can reach it from the drivers seat.

 

[mboyatt]

I agree with Parthery. All of the Tournaments (now Freedom) have the VHF antenna on the starboard side, right where the operator sits. It is on the top of the starboard gunwale, on the outside of the side window. I can stand up on my Tournament, reach over the side window and access the antenna. I think mine is about 6 feet long, I think. When I lay it down, it sits just atop the gunwale and streches towards the stern. The VHF I have mounted in the electronics box at the helm with my gps. Hope this helps. You should be able to find lots of photos on the Internet.

 

[wlewis]

How often do you use a VHF? Unless you fish offshore often, you might do just as well with your cell phone........without a mounted antenna.

 

[zimm]

How often do you use a VHF? Unless you fish offshore often, you might do just as well with your cell phone........without a mounted antenna.

I always have my VHF on ch 16. You never know what you can find out. CG or police could put out a distress call, severe weather alert, heck, just hailing a marina for a slip....

 

[wahoo33417]

How often do you use a VHF? Unless you fish offshore often, you might do just as well with your cell phone........without a mounted antenna.

Many things a VHF can do that a phone cannot. Especially in an emergency when seconds may matter. I wouldn't intentionally be without a VHF.

 

[mboyatt]

Amen to that. Always have a fixed mount VHF, no matter what. Plus a phone for backup. Just not worth the risk. Is there a regulation that reuires VHF for say 21 foot boats and larger?? I would imagine big brother would mandate this at some point.