Which RIB Antenna

Matty75 · 10 March 2018, 14:48

Hi guys.

Looking to replace the antennae on my RIB.
Any recomendations?

Cheers.
Matt.

Xk59D · 10 March 2018, 14:51

https://www.marinesuppliesdirect.co....VBRDtARIsAHWoO

spartacus · 10 March 2018, 14:55

Metz should be on your list. Replace coaxial and solder connectors too. The only thing I've found with the Metz is it needs height. Fine if you have A-frame. Metz Manta vhf antenna 34″, radio or AIS | Salty John

Matty75 · 10 March 2018, 15:35

Thanks guys.

Are the V-Tronix Raider antenna any good?
Personal feeling is that they're a bit short?

jambo · 10 March 2018, 15:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matty75

Thanks guys.

Are the V-Tronix Raider antenna any good?
Personal feeling is that they're a bit short?

Had one for years. Changed to a Metz far better all round.

boristhebold · 11 March 2018, 07:50

I used to use the small flexible style antenna, changed to a 1.2M shakespeare with a folding SS mount, much much better reception, tip - whatever antenna you get make sure you have decent cable and good quality connectors.

Dan Gurney · 11 March 2018, 11:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xk59D

https://www.marinesuppliesdirect.co....VBRDtARIsAHWoO

FWIW I've found mine to be a bit inconsistent. I usually do my radio check in the Menai Strait off Caernarfon and some days I get "weak readable", some days "good readable". The Glomex which came with the boat didn't usually attract any comment about the quality of the signal.

telcowilliam · 11 March 2018, 12:04

I think the signal for radio is weak in the straits and Caernarfon bar anyway, I was once told this by coastguard, I have also had mixed ‘readables’ in Menai straits on both boats so I wouldn’t read to much into your aerial Dan

willk · 11 March 2018, 12:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Gurney

The Glomex which came with the boat didn't usually attract any comment about the quality of the signal.

Why did you swap out the Glomex, Dan?

Redbay will use Glomex VHF antennae unless otherwise instructed. I've had them over the past ten years and found the TX/RX to be good. I have seen failure of the adhesive where the GRP pole meets the base but a dab of sikaflex solved it. Had that given way at sea then the antenna would have been broken. I've know them break as a result of a major stuffing.

I've also used/had Raiders over a longer period. The comms are OK but I've not tested them side by side. I have Raiders on the willkcraft for non-VHF duty and noticed that they corrode after a few seasons. They're also not as flexible as they look - push them a bit and they snap!...

Matty75 · 11 March 2018, 12:48

Thanks guys, keep the comments coming ��
Mentioned so far we have Metz, Raider, Shakespeare and Glomex.

Mine are 2 x Pacific Aerials and on a recent survey both were showing approx
3%-4% reflected. This could be due to the connections, the Coaxial or the antenna
themselves.
On inspection, there is some play between the GRP and the steel ferrule.
In any case both antenna are looking tired and could do with renewing.

Pikey Dave · 11 March 2018, 14:52

Procom for me

CJL · 11 March 2018, 18:48

We've used the Vtronix Masthead Heavy Duty 0.8m whip for many years and had great performance.

Chris

Pikey Dave · 12 March 2018, 19:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Procom for me

Matt, this is the model I have.
http://procom.dk/products/477-cxl-2-1

Matty75 · 12 March 2018, 21:28

Thanks Dave.

Dan Gurney · 12 March 2018, 22:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Why did you swap out the Glomex, Dan?

Cos I dragged it through a tree and bust it!

It bust right at the base. Tried sticking it back together to no avail.

Matty75 · 31 March 2018, 20:37

Thanks for all the input guys.

I finally ordered and received a Procom MA 2-1 SC.
To be fitted in the next 10 days and truly tested over the summer months

MatFromPoland · 01 April 2018, 07:52

Glomex Leisure - VHF Antennas for RIB

willk · 13 May 2021, 16:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

I've also used/had Raiders over a longer period. The comms are OK but I've not tested them side by side. I have Raiders on the willkcraft for non-VHF duty and noticed that they corrode after a few seasons. They're also not as flexible as they look - push them a bit and they snap!...

Just for posterity - I've just binned my second Raider - an AIS unit.

Something different in the post

TimB · 14 May 2021, 09:12

Yup I have the v tronix raider, on top of my a frame, I get clear Comms with CG, but as Willk states, mine has gone rusty after 2 seasons, still works okay though

Fender · 14 May 2021, 10:20

We use these

https://www.bluemarinestore.com/metz...-whip-antenna/