Recommendations requested...VHF radios & antennas.

[Morgueman]

Hi Everyone,

So I'm looking to outfit my "new-to-me" 2005 SeaRay 240 SunDeck with a VHF radio & antenna.
- For the radio, looks like I'll go with the Standard Horizon GX-1700 with the built-in GPS (I don't yet have a chartplotter, except for a Navionics app on my Android phone).
- For the antenna, I found a 2007 comparison of VHF antennas online, which narrowed my choice to two 8 foot 6 db models: Digital 529-VW and the Shakespeare 5225-XP. Though more expensive, I'm leaning a bit more toward the Digital model, because I read that it's built better and uses better cabling. The Shakespeare 5225-XP had a slighter better range, but it also rattled (...maybe Shakespeare fixed this since 2007???).

Here are my questions...
1. Are there any other models of radio or antenna I should be considering? (I don't mind spending an extra hundred or two given the importance of this safety equipment as I plan to take the boat to Catalina Island off the California coast.)

2. Have you come across any antenna reviews more recent than 2007?
3. Given my model of boat, any particular antenna bracket that might work best?
4. Any recommendation for location of the antenna? (I don't have any arch, etc.)

Thank you,
Eric

 

[ETsubchief]

ICOM makes good radios, but you would need an external gps antenna, which you would need for the chart plotter anyways, unless you go with the new Simrad that has an internal gps.
For antennas, Shakespeare makes s 6225 that is 8' and also decent. Talking with captains i have installed them on, they have no complaints.
As for mounts.....
Where do you plan on installing it? Thats what will determine what type you will need, also will you need to lower the antenna for any reason, ie transiting under low bridges.

 

[Woody]

I didn't see this thread and put up a suggestion to antenna location in the other one.

 

[Morgueman]

I didn't see this thread and put up a suggestion to antenna location in the other one.

Got it...My fault. Thanks for the response.

 

[Morgueman]

ICOM makes good radios, but you would need an external gps antenna, which you would need for the chart plotter anyways, unless you go with the new Simrad that has an internal gps.
For antennas, Shakespeare makes s 6225 that is 8' and also decent. Talking with captains i have installed them on, they have no complaints.
As for mounts.....
Where do you plan on installing it? Thats what will determine what type you will need, also will you need to lower the antenna for any reason, ie transiting under low bridges.

I haven't decided on where I'm installing it...I'll either mount it next to the helm (with it folding down when trailering and storing at home) or I'll mount it in the rear starboard side (with it folding forward when trailering or storing it).

Now I'm curious which will perform better...The Shakespeare 6225 or Digital 529-VW.

 

[Morgueman]

Anyone have any comments or experience with the Baylyn 8' antenna?

 

[ETsubchief]

I dont have alot of experience with different antennas, but i would say the quality of the radio would make the most difference.
For mounting the antenna, i like mount it by the helm and fold it back. If you mount it aft, would it interfere with people getting in and out?