Radios and antennas
 

I just bought a really nice radio with AIS (Automatic Identification System) which does not need a antenna, however the radio part does. Since the lightning has a sleek low profile we all like West Marine wants to sell me a 4' fiberglass stick antenna. I have seen lots of Fountains with radios on the dash and under but I don't see is any lightnings with a 4' stick antenna. Where can I hide a good radio antenna?

My 5' is mounted on the side with a rachet mount.

Inside the gunnel

Pitts do you have a photo.....kickin, never heard the word gunnel where is that exaclty?

I have the 4' SS antenna that I keep in the engine compartment. When I need the radio, it slips into a custom mount I made that's mounted to the rear rails. But since I don't use VHF anymore, it doesn't get used. I'm not one to drill holes for mounting brackets and stuff since I usually change my mind in a yr or so.


http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/f...nna-mount.html

Technically, that should be gunwale.

From Wiki: The gunwale ( /ˈɡʌnəl/) is a nautical term describing the top edge of the side of a boat.

Gunnel is the side of the boat. VHF is line of sight reception and transmission. So i don't think you want it in the gunnel. I also think the AIS is dependent on your VHF reception/transmission, so you don't want to take a chance on your antennae. If you send me your email I will send you a pic. of the mounting and overall how it looks. I like US1 removeable solution. I have two trips a year that I truly need VHF and I don't want to take a chance not having VHF. I carry a spare handheld, also. I have got to learn how to attach pics to post. Here trying to post a pic of antennae in the up position.

Ditto...but me thinks Kickin is talking about the space between the outside hull and inner hull(bulkhead) just below the gunwale. Just my 2cents. jim

I will go with Keith's deffinition!:grinser010: