Which vhf antenna and dash switch panel

beamishken · 21 March 2016, 00:10

I know it's been asked before but things change so here goes!
What's the best (not massively expensive) vhf antenna for a 7.4m rib with an a frame? Not bothered about what looks coolest just needs to work
Also need a bank of switches for the dash about 6 should do it with either separate fuses or breaker type switches been looking on Ebay and almost all that crop up are Chinese & I wouldn't have much faith in Chinese waterproofing in an open rib
Boats a 7.4 delta so not looking for anything realy fancy but would prefer not to have the dash look like frankensteins workshop
Any recommendations?
Cheers
Ken

Firefly · 21 March 2016, 02:13

This range is good. Have used them for years, no faults.

15A/250VAC On/Off SPST 2 Screw Terminals Toggle Switch with Black Waterproof | eBay

If you need 6 switches, you might be better off fitting a waterproof boat switch panel.

marine 6 switch panel waterproof sailing motor rib | eBay

I have used these aerials in the past. No complaints.

Marine VHF antenna - TASK - 530mm RIB VHF antenna | eBay

Cheers

J W

Pikey Dave · 21 March 2016, 04:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by beamishken

I know it's been asked before but things change so here goes!
What's the best (not massively expensive) vhf antenna for a 7.4m rib with an a frame? Not bothered about what looks coolest just needs to work
Also need a bank of switches for the dash about 6 should do it with either separate fuses or breaker type switches been looking on Ebay and almost all that crop up are Chinese & I wouldn't have much faith in Chinese waterproofing in an open rib
Boats a 7.4 delta so not looking for anything realy fancy but would prefer not to have the dash look like frankensteins workshop
Any recommendations?
Cheers
Ken

Antenna, either Metz (Salty John) or Procomm (Icom) Metz seem to be a no-nonsense does what it says on the tin bit of kit. Procomm are commercial/military & the quality is superb.

Switches, Carling every time. They are modular & you build up whatever you need, Try Aquafax.

mick · 21 March 2016, 07:57

Metz work for me and as Dave says Carling switches do the job

beamishken · 21 March 2016, 08:04

Cheers guys that looks like plenty to chose from.I don't know why I didn't think of aquafax as I've used them in the past
That metz antenna looks about the job but to be honest I'd have passed it by without a recommendation
I'll research the rest tonight when I get in
Thanks again ☺

SteveHall · 21 March 2016, 10:06

+1 Metz (Salty John)

jyasaki · 21 March 2016, 15:28

I have a Blue Seas panel with 8 (I think) switches and breakers (replaced the one with fuses as they were starting to oxidize and fail.) The switches are either Carling or a really good waterproof copy (lighted rockers.)

Most popular antenna on this side of the Atlantic (arguably) is Shakespeare, I think. I had a Digital for a while on the suggestion of a lot of people saying it was the bees knees, but it didn't last.

jky

mick · 21 March 2016, 20:33

http://www.rjsmarine.co.uk/blue-sea-...contura-panels

Pikey Dave · 21 March 2016, 20:50

I've never liked the idea of fuses & breakers on the dash. Personally I prefer them out of the way in the console.

spartacus · 21 March 2016, 21:41

Metz antenna. Simple design, and very lightweight.

The Blue Sea Contura panel looks the part, but not cheap. You get what you pay for I suppose.

mick · 21 March 2016, 21:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick

http://www.rjsmarine.co.uk/blue-sea-...contura-panels

http://www.mudstuff.co.uk/products/c.../switches.html

whisper · 22 March 2016, 00:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick

Switches - Carling Switches & Accessories - Products

+1

boristhebold · 25 April 2016, 09:10

Ive had a few of the small springy type of antanees seen on most ribs, not great reception, changed a year or so ago to a 1.2m Shakespeare on a foldable bracket mounted on a frame and have vastly improved reception, not cheap but worth it, the foldable bracket is handy for dry stack storage and going under the two bridges in poole.