VHF Antenna question

[Bob Bradley]

I installed a new Icomm last year and have determined that its not transmitting or receiving well. I changed the Pl-259 connector and it didn't seem to make much difference, so I'm planning to just bite the bullet and install a complete new antenna. I spend a lot of time offshore, so I want the longest transmission distance I can get. What would be the best gain for this purpose. BTW, it will be a 16', likely Digital or Shakespeare. I'd also like to hear your thoughts on brand selection. Thanks.
Bob

 

[Captain Ralph]

It may help to use a VHF field tester and ensure it is not the radio or SWR issues.

Height over the water and radiated pattern make the better VHF stick and range.
We re-sell and install 9DB antennas from Shakespeare.
Just last month installed 4 x 19 footers and a 23 footer with matching 23' SSB antenna.
2 more 19' sticks went on our boat.

Our former 19' sticks were 15 years old and still working, just looked like heck.

5309 / 23’’
4018 / 19’
5018 / 15.2

Shop wisely. Lots of the usual shops don't stock long antennas much more. Be patient and reserve one at a local store when you can.

Avoid 3 piece sticks.

Ensure a defibrillator is near by when investigating the shipping cost during an on-line deal.

 

[captcrunch]

I added a 3rd Shakespeare digital antenna when I added a second bridge vhf last year. 17ft I believe.

 

[Captain Ralph]

I added a 3rd Shakespeare digital antenna when I added a second bridge vhf last year. 17ft I believe.

Shakespeare Digital antenna?

 

[metama]

And more antenna's more problems.
I don't understand why people have so many antennas.

1 VHS
1 AIS
1 VHS Backup radio / Antenna
1 Wifi/Cell (small)

vertical antenna (and metal) don't want to be close or with-in 5-6ft.

 

[Lmcruiser]

Put 2 Shakespeare 4018 19 ft sticks on my boat this year and am very happy. The old ones had lost their coating and left fiberglass splinters in anyone handling them. The shipping however does add meaning to the pucker factor.

 

[Lmcruiser]

Oh. And do shop wisely. As there is wide variation in pricing and availability.

 

[Lmcruiser]

Sometimes the more antennas add to the aesthetics of the boat too.

 

[Boatsb]

4018 is the low cost antenna.

6018-r is the real standard or the digital 532 vw-rs.

I sell the digital for a boat buck delivered all the time.

 

[captcrunch]

Shakespeare Digital antenna?

It was a Shakespeare galaxy, I could swear it said digital on it.

 

[Captain Ralph]

It was a Shakespeare galaxy, I could swear it said digital on it.

The Galaxy antennas have a nicer finish and offer a better warranty.
Never had a warranty issue on any of them.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Forget Shakespeare. I was impressed with these. A buddy just installed them and they look really well built and finished.

https://www.digitalantenna.com/vhfantennas.html

 

[Dan Mapes]

I'll second the notion of putting an SWR meter inline.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Try a SWR before you do anything else.

Digital Antenna is a brand name, not a description of function. I don't think there is such a thing as a digital VHF radio. Maybe I'm even more out of date than I thought.

The Shakespeare Galaxy antennas are nice, but Digital is better.

 

[Moonhowler]

Put 2 Shakespeare 4018 19 ft sticks on my boat this year and am very happy. The old ones had lost their coating and left fiberglass splinters in anyone handling them. The shipping however does add meaning to the pucker factor.

Wondering - I had the idea to use white shrink tubing to cover the nasty, green flaking antenna mast and antenna. Haven't done it yet - know there can't be any metal in it - but since it is wire shrink tubing there is none. Would it effect the gain at all?

 

[omecojh]

Wondering - I had the idea to use white shrink tubing to cover the nasty, green flaking antenna mast and antenna. Haven't done it yet - know there can't be any metal in it - but since it is wire shrink tubing there is none. Would it effect the gain at all?

Sand and apply gel coat.