antenna

[bouttime]

sorry- should have included this in last post -are quality antennas just as or more important than the radio--cost range from 30$ to 200$--i like the 30$ones:D

[Paulywood]

The antennae is probably more important than the radio. Here is the best "bang for the buck" in radio antennae in my opinion. I use it and have installed it on a couple of my friends' boats. We have all been very happy with it.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=16014&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=10103&subdeptNum=10278&classNum=10279

[usmcpaul]

I recently installed an 8ft. Shakespeare Galaxy 6db antenna on an older'ish radio and I have been extremely happy with it. I was very careful to cut the antenna to the proper length. I have heard that this step is very important. Do a search and you will find the formula for cutting it to the proper length. I have been able to transmit and receive up to 7 or 8 miles with it so far.

I think I paid $110.00 delivered, from ebay.

[fishmunkee]

Admittedly I know nothing about VHF radios and antennas but that I ought to have one on my boat for safety reasons alone. I have a 18.5' tin boat that I use for inland type fishing also as well as the Great Lakes. Are there antennas that are easily removable?

[Grant Sadler]

My thought is a Good Radio and cheap antenna is no good, a good antenna makes the radio good, in the 70's when parents got in CB's thing, they used a (gismo) called a SWR meter to set the antenna in a match with the radio, I'am somebody on here can shed light on this, I'am sure a SWR meter is overkill on the subject, Good Luck.

[SPOONWASHER]

Paulywood hit the nail on the head! We use it and it transmits a long ways. Some days we pick up calls from Holland when were in S.Haven.

[soko44mag]

Go with a stainless mount and ratchet while your shopping, those plastic mounts are way to floppy!

[tbromund]

The antennae is probably more important than the radio. Here is the best "bang for the buck" in radio antennae in my opinion. I use it and have installed it on a couple of my friends' boats. We have all been very happy with it.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=16014&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=10103&subdeptNum=10278&classNum=10279

that one is good. this one is a bit more expensive, but IMO the Shakespeare Galaxy 5225 XT is the best antenna on the market. You're better off with the Galaxy series than the Mariners.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=16008&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=10103&subdeptNum=10278&classNum=10279

Tim

[Nailer]

Admittedly I know nothing about VHF radios and antennas but that I ought to have one on my boat for safety reasons alone. I have a 18.5' tin boat that I use for inland type fishing also as well as the Great Lakes. Are there antennas that are easily removable?

Welcome to the site Tim

[Adam Bomb]

As mentioned, very important for good transmission. I have the Shakespeare Galaxy i believe. Was pretty picey when i got it. Works fantastic. I can get out and recieve very well.

[tgafish]

that one is good. this one is a bit more expensive, but IMO the Shakespeare Galaxy 5225 XT is the best antenna on the market. You're better off with the Galaxy series than the Mariners.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=16008&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=10103&subdeptNum=10278&classNum=10279

Tim

Agreed. I'm hoping to find a 5225 in my birthday box this year:)

They can be had in the 120's if you look around.

[tbromund]

Agreed. I'm hoping to find a 5225 in my birthday box this year:)

They can be had in the 120's if you look around.

yes, www.boatfix.com usually has the cheapest prices around, but the original linbk already had me on the west marine website

boatfix has it for $118.

http://www.boatfix.com/shop3/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=873

Tim

[Priority1]

$110 Ebay with free shipping.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Shakespeare-5225-XT-Galaxy-8-VHF-6dB-Marine-Antenna-/380265005793?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58898f82e1

[jimcr]

Here is where I picked mine up at , very good prices . Plus I wanted a black antenna.

They shipped fast too.

http://www.northeastmarineelectronics.com/shakespeare5206-bl-c8vhfantblkchromeferrule6db.aspx

I did a lot of searching before buying , hope this saves you a little time.

I have had no problems and the range is very good. I routenly get south haven and I am on the west side of the lake.

Jim

[Paulywood]

Admittedly I know nothing about VHF radios and antennas but that I ought to have one on my boat for safety reasons alone. I have a 18.5' tin boat that I use for inland type fishing also as well as the Great Lakes. Are there antennas that are easily removable?

I made the antennae removable on my old boat by using a RAM mount and routing the cable so that I could easily unscrew it from the radio. I think I still have the RAM mount if you want it.