mittens

Ok, got my new boat and does not have a radio. about to buy one but would like some answers on the antena choices. I know most people and my family members have the white fiberglass about 10 foot or so. I would like to know if the short metal wire ones, (with the fast can thing at the base) or the short white fiber glass ones work just as well. I would asume the distance it what sufferse. BUT the guy at store told me they all have the same specs its a choice of look??

thoughts on this please.

Michael1

The VHF Marine band is a "line of sight" band, so the higher the antenna above the water, the better the performance. Also longer antennas are more efficient at radiating than shorter ones (at least in the size ranges you are considering), so they appear to someone receiving your signal that you have a more powerful radio. The bigger antennas also receive better, because, again it is higher, and there is more antenna to gather the incoming signal.

Hope this helps.

Michael

enticer

Personal opinion: Handhelds are best anymore, because of the cell phone take over. Handhelds I feel are for around the docks and talking to another boat that is within eye sight.....other than that they have no real purpose. Just my $.02

macjazzy

I think that depends entirely on where you boat. Assuming you boat in or around Pittsburg, that's probably mostly river boating. Someone who may boat on the coast or even in the great lakes, it does not take long to get out of cell phone range or just have your boat die in a dead cell area.

VHF on a boat is for a lot more than just asking for a slip when you approach a marina or chatting with buddies. It could save your life.

Coast gaurd does not monitor cell phones, and has no way of determining your location by your cell signal like 911 can. And 911 will probably have no idea what to do with your "Mayday" phone call