Position of Antenna?

[actions]

Ok so moving on from the last post of getting a VHF, its been noted that a fixed set is a good idea to compliment my handheld.

However i have a bit of an issue. I currently have a Zodiac Pro 420. Now i intended to fit an ali pole with a mount and antenna on top of the transom, however having looked at the room i have (not a lot), i'm not sure it will fit.

Does anyone have any ideas where to or how to mount the VHF pole and antenna. I have attached pics so you can see just how tight it all it.

I thought maybe on the console but think this may get in the way, or on the back of the seat but then i'll end up hitting my head on it. Anyone done this before with limited space or got any pics / ideas for me. If not i might resort to carrier pigeons.



Matt.

[Scrottocks]

How about getting a bracket welded to the U-frame over the windscreen, pre-drilled for the antenna to mount? It won't take up floor space, you won't bang your head on it, cabling to the radio is easy (I assume the radio is going into the console) and it's as high as it gets on the boat.

Arthur

[spartacus]

Metz do a handrail adaptor for their VHF antenna. Speak to Salty John. I've done the same thing with my boat. It may not be the final location for it - I'd eventually like to fit a stern light pole with a bracket for the antenna. I'll post a picture later to illustrate.

Details here: Salty John: Metz Manta- 6 Marine VHF Antenna Accessories and other fine boat products.

[actions]

Cheers chaps, yup, i'm thinking my only option is going to be using the handrail around the screen and using a uclamp.

Spartacus if you do post a picture that would be great.

I'm going to have a longer think to see if there is anyway i can get it on the transom but it may be easiest and higher on the rail although directly in our line of sight when standing up (which i normally am)

[Erin]

I would have thought a simple stand-off bracket mounted on the transom to which you can then attach a transom pole. The stand-off can be made to suit the angle of the transom and keep the pole away from the engine cables etc. Probably more expensive than a rail mount at the console, but far superior and gives you the option for a nav light too.

[spartacus]

Originally Posted by actions

Cheers chaps, yup, i'm thinking my only option is going to be using the handrail around the screen and using a uclamp.

Pictures as discussed. The location isn't perfect, but it does for now. The Metz antenna is pretty rigid. I thought it might whip back and forth in a rough sea, but it's never made contact with the screen. The Metz adaptor (with the addition of another s/s bracket would also allow you to fit it on the handrail over the screen). I simply drilled a small hole in the side of the console and used a couple of rubber tap grommets (drilled and placed inside and out) for a complete water-tight seal. Still deliberating whether the mount location (too near the radio transmitter) is interfering with reception. Tested it with a hand-held ICOM (a month or so ago) and picked up a signal a couple of miles away.

Come the Autumn, I'm looking at a Perko LED sternlight as a possible antenna mount. Although looking at the poles which are made of aluminium rather than stainless-steel, I'm not sure if they're up to the job?

[actions]

Cheers for the Pic.

Before i rush into doing it i'm going to have a play around with some poles etc and see what and where looks best and if a transom mount will fit. Plus i dont want to start drilling holes if its going to be no good. I did find this Pacific Aerials SeaMaster Pro Nylon Rail Mount c/w 5m Cable - Only £27.95 - Force 4 Chandlery which will allow for the pacific aerial to be mounted on my rail vertically. (Channel Ribs is cheaper though than these guys) The aerial is 1m so should give me the range on there too without the need for a pole. Just concerns me that i may get fed up with it being in front of me.

Love the ribcraft too.

Cheers Erin, will have a think about how to set that up aswell.

[actions]

So looking at the rail mounted option, here are my choices. Side rail of console, top of rail on console or behind seat on a rail there.

Any thoughts. Thinking that console will be higher than the seat option, but will be in my view 24/7.

Wonder if my satellite may get in the way....... as you can see my drawing talents are endless. Picasso eat your heart out..

[Channel Ribs]

Pole on the back of the bench seat?

[kerny]

Originally Posted by Channel Ribs

Pole on the back of the bench seat?