vhf antenna

[Megunticook]

Looking to outfit my Ty Senior with a reliable VHF setup. Picked up a new radio (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... tnky_so7OE, wondering whether anyone has any experience or knowledge of this antenna unit:

(http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/us ... HF+Antenna).

And what's a good cable to run up the mast? Would Shakespeare Low-Loss Cable be a good choice?
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... tgs-_vO_Bc

Thanks. Any tips, gear recommendations welcome.

[Jim Walsh]

Always used a Shakespeare, never had any problems. Three different antenna's on three different sailboats and always the same reliable performance. This was over a forty year timespan so I'd probably stick with what works for me.

[Megunticook]

Thanks, I must say I've noticed that working boats in Maine typically have Shakespeare VHF gear aboard, so if those guys are using it I'm guessing it's proved itself reliable. Looking on the less expensive side of things, I noticed the low-end Shakespeare model for sailboats: http://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-36-In ... peare+5215. Is this the antenna you have? Somewhere I remember seeing this unit get panned badly on user reviews, but maybe they got a bad batch from an overseas supplier. Or are they all made in the U.S.?

[Jerry Hammernik]

I have had a Metz unit on both of my CD's. The current one has been on for many years. Always have had good luck. I get reception from greater distances than many others at my location. I would go heavier with the cable. The 58 is too light. I would go with the 8 mini, some call it 8-X I think. You will be better served by heavier cable. And you'll buy the last one first.

[Squid]

Agree with the "8" recommendation. A bit more of a pain, but less RF loss, if you are willing to pull the cable.

[NateHanson]

I've always had Metz antennas. Never had a failure. 8x cable is a good idea. You've got a fairly short run in a Ty, so signal loss isn't as much of a problem as it is in a boat with a 50' run, but still, it's a very cheap upgrade if you're running cable anyways.

Nate

[M. R. Bober]

The most important factor is probably where you put the antenna. Higher is better so mast vs rail is an important decision. For sailboats use a 3 dB antenna because heeling will limit the range of the 6 dB models.

Beware of coax cable with foam dielectric, in a marine environment, as it can/will absorb moisture.

73,
KK4INT
Sunny Lancaster, (The home of Mitchell's shack.) VA