Is there a simple means to improve FM radio reception?

trdehmer

trdehmer

Member
Jul 29, 2009
186
Lake Minnetonka, MN
Boat Info
2003 280 DA
Engines
Single 496 MAG
I have a 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer with the OEM radio head unit. It works just fine, but my FM reception isn't the greatest as it uses the OEM radio antenna (which is a wire that is around 3-4' long at best). I've heard in the past that a person could stick a long CB type antenna down the gunwale in the hull along the side to get better reception. Anyone done that, or a different method that improved the FM radio reception?

Thanks!
 
bobeast said:
You can add a VHF/FM splitter to your current VHF antenna and use that for FM reception
Click to expand...

O.K., that's an interesting concept! I'd have to run more than of 10' RG-62 AM/FM cable however - if I run longer than that will the reception worsen and I'll gain nothing?

Also, I have some LED lights (accessory lights) on the boat, I know on my car that interferes with the FM reception - starting to wonder if that is my issue to begin with?
 
Head units have a FM reception rating. Some are way better than others. I have good luck with JVC, under a 100 bucks and when linked with an amp cranks like hell.
 
trdehmer said:
O.K., that's an interesting concept! I'd have to run more than of 10' RG-62 AM/FM cable however - if I run longer than that will the reception worsen and I'll gain nothing?

Also, I have some LED lights (accessory lights) on the boat, I know on my car that interferes with the FM reception - starting to wonder if that is my issue to begin with?
Click to expand...

I wouldn't think 10 feet of quality cable would hurt your reception. As for the LEDs, it should be easy enough to check. Just turn your radio on and see if the reception improves when you turn the LEDs off.
 
FM is line of sight, so the best way is to have a high antenna on both ends. Cant control the transmitter, but an 8' FM antenna or VHF w/ splitter high up on your arch and a good head unit will get you the best performance.
 
IMG_4230.JPG
If you have a TV power antenna on your arch, your FM radio can use that as well. We had great radio reception using that antenna. We also have no shortage of FM stations in our area. This is far better than a dipole antenna that someone suggested to you initially.
 
VHF/fm spiller is not a great solution unless you are in an area with strong signals. I had a splitter and could only get a few fm channels. I installed a dedicated fm antenna from Shakespeare which looks identical to the vhf antenna, and I mounted it on the opposite side of the radar arch my reception went from a few channels to 30 channels. Your mileage may vary depending on your location. You can run a hundred of feet of quality coax with very little loss.

Good luck,

Pete
 
In behind my radio, there was a s.s. stud protruding down through the gunwale from a railing stancheon above. I simply added another s.s. nut & washer to that stud for my radio antenna wire and it worked great for me.
 
Last edited:
A separate external antenna mounted high is your best bet.
 
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