VHF Antenna

[Do Over]

Snapped mine off this weekend........I've seen shorter antenna's (like 2 foot or so)......but I'm not sure if they're for VHF or not....anyone know what I'm talking about? Or should I just replace with an OEM style?

 

[estoltz]

The ones you are talking about are 1/4 wave antennas most likely. The reason you don't see them on many boats is they require a ground plane to resonate correctly. Fiberglass doesn't conduct well so it doesn't make for a great ground plane. If you had a metal hull maybe.

 

[Do Over]

Thanks......I'm wondering if I can use a shorter than OEM one....to be honest I don't even use the VHF on my lake and don't see a real need for it.

 

[Lazy Daze]

There are 4' VHF antennas - but I've never seen a 2' one. You can check on Shakespeare's website, though. There are discussions about what to do if you need help and the ability to help others by monitoring VHF, but that's a discussion for another day. Obviously it's your boat so you can do whatever you want, including taking it completely off - cut the wire and just leave the mount to make things easy.

 

[blaster]

Why not use a whip antenna?

I found this 15" one for sailboats.

http://www.boemarine.com/shakespeare-vhf-15in-5216-ss-black-whip-antenna-bracket-included/

This would be a better fit.

http://www.boemarine.com/shakespeare-5241-3-vhf-antenna/

 

[Do Over]

So here's my solution.....silicone the remainder back in the mount .....so easy even a Bayliner owner could do it :smt038

 

[Mike Blake]

So here's my solution.....silicone the remainder back in the mount .....so easy even a Bayliner owner could do it :smt038

Seriously? 340DA and we can't buy a new antenna?

 

[magstang1]

I had a short one on my 280ss. Worked just fine for me. Loud and clear for at least 5 miles the few times I checked it.