Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

VHF Marine Band radios, protocol, radio communication theory, practical advice; AIS; DSC; MMSI; EPIRB.
Beerspitnight
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Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby Beerspitnight » Sat Mar 05, 2016 4:25 am

Hello all. I have an 1989 Boston Whaler Montauk 17 that I bought four years ago. I have been putting work into it each year, and I am excited to work on it again this summer. I am also a bit of a novice when it comes to working with the boat.

I would like to put a [fixed-mount] VHF radio on [this 17-foot center console boat] this year. I have been contemplating a handheld due to price. I run the boat mostly in Barnegat Bay, so I do not need a powerful radio, but I do like the idea of having a [fixed-mount] radio. With that being said, I am attempting to price out how much an entry-level mountable vhf radio will cost with all necessary kit. I understand there are a few mounting locations and options for the antenna, and I thank the forum for all of the knowledge that has been shared to date.

ANTENNA LOCATION OPTION ONE: mount [antenna] to the console. This would involve a ratchet rail mount--yes?--and a [shorter 4-foot-long] antenna. I like this option as it will allow for easy routing [of the transmission line from] the radio [to the antenna]. I will have a console cover made this year, which will affect the antenna. I see that as the biggest obstacle to the console mounted option. Please let me know know if anyone has a good work-around for the console cover problem.

I saw someone in an older forum mentioned a detachable bracket, but I am unsure what this is and how it will work. Any insight is appreciated.

ANTENNA LOCATION OPTION TWO: mount [antenna] near the stern. This option would also involve a ratchet rail mount, but a larger, 8-foot-long antenna. I would then have to run the cable from the stern up the tunnel to the radio.

Necessary Equipment:
Antenna
Rail mount
Radio

Again, I am looking for a cost-effective way to complete this task. I looked on West Marine, and surprise they are very expensive.
I started looking around Amazon for some other options.

I found this three-foot Tram antenna for $30: http://www.amazon.com/TRAM-1600-HC-35-Marine-Antenna/dp/B000FCP1NO/ref=pd_sim_200_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=31i3azS5xLL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0S57TRSW68JMZ8R8YTB9

I understand that this antenna is for a sail boat, but I am wondering if I can use it for my purposes and with a rail mount.
If not, is there a specific type of antenna that I should be looking for to have the rail mount work?

An example of the rail mount that I found on Amazon is located here: http://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-4188-S-Stainless-Steel-Mount/dp/B000SMTTSY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1457169444&sr=8-4&keywords=rail+mount+ratchet

For radios, I was looking at the Standard Horizon GX1600 from West Marine. http://www.westmarine.com/buy/standard-horizon--gx1600-compact-vhf-white--14533434

The easiest way to sort all of this out would be to walk into my local marine shop and ask somewhere there, but I am overseas until June. I would like to figure out the best option and know the equipment that I need to make this happen so I can get after the day after landing in Newark!

Thanks again for all of the sharing and knowledge that this web page provides.

And it is my hope to get out to the Hudson/NYC Whaler meet up this June.
1989 MONTAUK 17

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Phil T
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Re: VHF Radio Setup

Postby Phil T » Sat Mar 05, 2016 11:37 am

Ten years of boating in the off season by myself in Maine has taught me that you should never skimp on safety equipment.

If money is tight, invest in a good waterproof hand held VHF. Acknowledge that you will need to wear it on your person every time you are on the boat. Just like your life jacket.
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jimh
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Re: Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby jimh » Sat Mar 05, 2016 4:54 pm

Over the past ten years I have given a lot of thought to all of the topics you raise as questions, and I have written lengthy and detailed article about them. First, before you install a VHF Marine Band radio on your recreational boat, please read my article

VHF Marine Band Radio Installation on a Small Boat
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/refere ... ation.html

To become familiar with radios on the market and for a survey of radios on the market, please read my article about the present radios on the market at

VHF Marine Band Radio Roundup 2016
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=460

For my recommendation for an antenna for a VHF Marine Band radio on a small boat, please read my article on

VHF Marine Band Antennas For Small Boats
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/refere ... tenna.html

As for a location to mount the base of the antenna for a Boston Whaler MONTAUK 17, as you have already noted, the presence of weather canvas will probably dictate the mounting location. If the Flying Top or other weather canvas at the helm area is likely to interfere with the radio antenna, I'd move the antenna to the stern gunwale. Use a ratchet mount so the antenna can be folded down when the boat is not in use or when angling from the stern is a priority.

All fixed-mount VHF Marine Band radios will have a power rating of 25-watts. There is no real option or concern about the power of a fixed mount VHF Marine Band radio. They're all going to be the same power output.

Do not become confused about antenna length as being determinant of communication range. From a small boat the most influential element of the radio installation on range of communication is going to be the height of the antenna, not its length. I would (and have) chosen a higher antenna over a longer antenna.

porthole
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Re: Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby porthole » Sat Mar 05, 2016 8:11 pm

Your choices should be fine in Barnegat bay.

The radio you picked is a good value.
The antenna Jim linked to [the GAM SS-2] is a very nice unit and based on his recommendation I put [a GAM SS-2 antenna] on my 21 Outrage.

Gam SS-2
Image

Do you have a stainless console rail like this?

Image


For my 17 Outrage I mounted this antenna on this mount. The mount allows a tool-less drop down of the antenna when I put the console cover on.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/shakespeare--mariner-4200-3-3db-vhf-sailboat-antenna--6966089

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--nylon-rail-mount-with-lever--7850316

I had a rear mount 4' VHF on my 15' Whaler. It worked fine for my needs, but it occasionally got in the way mounted back in the stern..

Image
Last edited by porthole on Sat Mar 05, 2016 8:15 pm, edited 4 times in total.
Thanks,
Duane
2016 World Cat 230DC
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1997 Outrage 18, Yamaha 125
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1980 42 Post
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Beerspitnight
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Re: Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby Beerspitnight » Sat Mar 05, 2016 8:12 pm

Thank you, Jimh. I read through the articles and I do have a few questions that I hope you can answer for me.

The Standard Horizon 1300 is at the top of the list for the radio.

I do like the SS-2 antenna by GAM as well. I would like to use the antenna by itself, and not use the extension mast. I do not feel that I need such a high antenna on the bay. Therefore, I am leaning towards attaching the antenna onto the console rail. Will I be able to connect the antenna to the transmission line via the ratchet rail mount on the console, or will I need an extension? Which antenna transmission line should I use from GAM? The Plug and Play? http://gamelectronicsinc.com/product/plug-and-play/, or another product?

Again, I thank you for your insight and help. I want to be able to order all of the necessary products prior to arriving home in NJ so I can get to work on this project straight away.
1989 MONTAUK 17

Beerspitnight
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Re: Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby Beerspitnight » Sat Mar 05, 2016 8:15 pm

Thanks, Duane. Yes, my console rail is like that. Nice to know the mount can drop down for the cover.
What other pieces of equipment did you need to make that setup work beyond the antenna and the radio?

Many thanks.
Brian
1989 MONTAUK 17

porthole
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Re: Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby porthole » Sat Mar 05, 2016 8:26 pm

Since I mounted my radio in a console, I used this for a pass through.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/shakespeare--shakespeare-4184-cable-outlet-rg8--6558209
Thanks,
Duane
2016 World Cat 230DC
1999 Outrage 21, Yamaha SW Series II 200
1997 Outrage 18, Yamaha 125
1983 15 SS, Honda 50
1980 42 Post
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Don McIntyre - MI
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Re: Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby Don McIntyre - MI » Sat Mar 05, 2016 9:29 pm

I'm with Phil; don't skimp on equipment that can save your life.

I've always installed a quality antenna on the starboard stern area of all the models we've owned, starting with our 17 Montauk in 1978. Easiest place I found, was to mount the bracket just inches forward of the stern grab rail, and at a height so the antenna folds down across the support stanchions of the grab rail. If you position it right, an 8-foot mast, when folded down, the tip will just tuck under the support stanchion of the bow rail, for trailering. Unfortunately, I've located only a picture of it up, not folded:
17 - reduced.jpg
17 - reduced.jpg (186.88 KiB) Viewed 31821 times

Note the four stainless bolts amd nuts visible on the hull just above the flag. If I was to mount one on that hull again, I'd use mushroom head cap nuts, powder coated the hull color.

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Re: Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby jimh » Sun Mar 06, 2016 8:23 am

Beerspitnight wrote:Which antenna transmission line should I use from GAM?


Referring to my article about recommended VHF Marine Band radio antennas, please see my recommendation to use the GAM ADAP-II mount. This mount has about 20-feet of transmission line included. This length of transmission line ought to be sufficiently long to enable mounting the antenna almost anywhere on a 17-foot boat if the radio to which it will attach is in the center console.

Note that the article concludes with hyperlinks to a retailer who sells the GAM products at excellent prices.

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Re: Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby jimh » Sun Mar 06, 2016 8:33 am

Beerspitnight wrote:I do like the SS-2 antenna by GAM as well. I would like to use the antenna by itself, and not use the extension mast. I do not feel that I need such a high antenna on the bay.


I recommend using an extension mast. If a four-foot extension is too long for your installation, use a shorter extension mast. The purpose of the mounting the antenna base higher is for most than just increased radio range. As I explained in my article, raising the antenna several feet above the helm dashboard area helps to prevent RF radiation from the antenna from interfering with other boat electronic devices. A further consideration is for safety. The steel whip of the antenna could be a hazzard, both mechanically--it could poke you in the eye--and electrically--you could get a burn from touching the whip while the radio was transmitting. Although not intended as a hand-hold, people will probably reach for and grab the antenna mounting base for a hand-hold. Using a short extension mast will help to prevent contact with the antenna itself. Also, the extension mast makes a good mast from which to fly a small pennant or flag.

I really like the installation shown above by PORTHOLE. It uses a short metal tube extension mast. I also like the black color of the ADAP-II mounting base that was used. And the stanchion rail mounting base looks very good and appears to be quite sturdy. If you must install the antenna on the stanchion rail of the windshield of the center console, the arrangement shown by Porthole appears to be a very good implementation. I reprise his image below:

Image

I think the image below (by Don McIntyre) also shows a GAM SS-2 antenna mounted on a long extension mast. That installation should give excellent radio range:

Image

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Re: Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby jimh » Sun Mar 06, 2016 8:41 am

Just to review, my preference for the GAM SS-2 antenna and its associated ADAP-II mounting base is due to the very nice manner in which the antenna transmission line can be fed down the inside of the extension mast, as well as the excellent reviews and tests of the antenna's performance. My use of the antenna for ten years has confirmed my initial finding that it was a very good antenna with an excellent mounting base and very clean manner of routing the transmission line.

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Re: Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby porthole » Sun Mar 06, 2016 8:52 am

I suggested the nylon lever mount in my post above.

I would not use the nylon version if you decide to use an extension. A stainless version (shown in my pictures above) is available and sturdy enough, and doesn't cost that much more.

Using the extension pictured on my console, the tip of the antenna would hit the deck folded down. But the whip is very flexible and is a non concern.
Thanks,
Duane
2016 World Cat 230DC
1999 Outrage 21, Yamaha SW Series II 200
1997 Outrage 18, Yamaha 125
1983 15 SS, Honda 50
1980 42 Post
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Re: Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby jimh » Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:12 am

The Shakespeare 4190 rail-mounting ratchet base looks like a good choice. I have not tried it myself. Compare at DEFENDER.COM's website page where it sells for about $43.


Here is another option--and, again, I have not tried these products--that looks like a convenient system for a small boat: the antenna is a Shakespeare QC-3 QuickConnect model (MSRP $40), and the mount is a Shakespeare QCM-SR QuickConnect Rail Mount (MSRP $119). You only need two items for this approach, the antenna and the rail mount, as the rail mount has a built-in connector for the antenna and has 20-feet of transmission line. DEFENDER sells them at a nice discount of $30 for antenna and $66 for mount. The drawback of this approach is that you cannot use an extension mast with these components; the antenna must connect directly to the rail-mount base.

porthole
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Re: Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby porthole » Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:28 am

I will come up with the part number for the stainless rail mount I pictured above.
I chose that version over the other types because of the smooth finish. Personally I think it just looks better, but it is also cover friendly.
Thanks,
Duane
2016 World Cat 230DC
1999 Outrage 21, Yamaha SW Series II 200
1997 Outrage 18, Yamaha 125
1983 15 SS, Honda 50
1980 42 Post
1983 34 Luhrs 340 SF

Beerspitnight
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Re: Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby Beerspitnight » Mon Mar 07, 2016 12:44 am

Thanks again. The setup now make sense. I see why I need the mounting base. I also like the setup by Porthole. I will attempt to recreate it :) I do appreciate all of the help and advice offered here.

I've gotten the bug to make the boat as nice as possible, and to kit it out like a champ. I'm sure I'll have more questions as I start working on her.

Best,
Brian
1989 MONTAUK 17

Simon
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Re: Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby Simon » Wed Mar 09, 2016 11:23 am

[For installation on a] 1987 Boston Whaler 15-foot center console boat, I picked up a DIGITAL-brand model-528 four-foot antenna. The antenna comes with the [transmission line captivated to the antenna] and includes the male connector that plugs directly into the radio. This makes for a very easy install.

I moved the antenna to the front of the console to make more room. It's now much easier to get to front of boat.

I tested it from inside my garage [by calling the Coast Guard]; they heard it loud and clear. I'm about 15 miles from the closest water and surrounded by hills.

http://postimg.org/image/7qflcmyp9/

Simon
1987 15' Sport CC

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Re: Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby jimh » Wed Mar 09, 2016 11:47 am

The problems with an four-foot fiberglass-encased antenna installed to the center console as described and illustrated by Simon:

--someone will eventually grab onto the antenna as hand-hold

--all antennas encased in fiberglass housings are comparatively very fragile and are prone to breaking;

--once the fiberglass housing is broken the antenna is effectively unrepairable;

--the pre-installed connector is nice, but when the antenna is only two-feet from the radio, you don't need to preserve 20-feet of transmission line;

--the base of the antenna is very close to all the electronics on the helm console, and this increases the chances of interference; the transmit signal from the antenna can interfere with the helm electronics; the spurious emissions from the helm electronics can interfere with reception.

The antennas sold by Digital often have a pre-installed connector on the transmission line. The connector is a Mini-UHF jack. This jack connector cannot be connected to a standard UHF-series SO-239 chassis jack. Digital supplies an adaptor to convert the Mini-UHF jack to a standard UHF PL-259-type plug. I discus the use of this method in an article I recently posted to the forum. See

Mini-UHF Connectors

Based on reading many accounts of problems with VHF radio antennas on boats, it appears that installation of a connector to the antenna transmission line is one of most common points of failures for self-installed antennas among recreational boaters, and it is my speculation that the many very favorable accounts of improvement in performance when changing to an antenna made by Digital are probably due to the pre-installed transmission line connector; it avoids the self-installer from having to install any connector, so they don't screw it up.

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Re: Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby conch » Wed Mar 09, 2016 12:18 pm

I use a rail mount on my Sport 15 to hold a Shakespeare extension which has [an antenna with a] stainless steel whip attached.

antennaRailMountRev.jpg
Nylon rail mount
antennaRailMountRev.jpg (14.55 KiB) Viewed 31706 times

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Re: Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby porthole » Fri Mar 11, 2016 9:31 am

Below my current antenna installation is shown. For the long haul I would probably use the stainless version of this ratchet mount. As shown, I was able to talk to a buddy who was about 7-miles away over land.

Antenna in operating position:

Image

Antenna tilted down to permit console cover to be installed:

Image
Thanks,
Duane
2016 World Cat 230DC
1999 Outrage 21, Yamaha SW Series II 200
1997 Outrage 18, Yamaha 125
1983 15 SS, Honda 50
1980 42 Post
1983 34 Luhrs 340 SF

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Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby richiemac » Wed May 08, 2019 4:37 pm

I purchased a 3-foot antenna. I need advice on where to install the antenna on a 2015 Boston Whaler 170 MONTAUK in order that:
  1. the appearance of the boat with the antenna looks right
  2. the antenna functions
  3. the antenna does not interfere with the canvas Bimini top
  4. the boat can fit in my seven-foot garage door

Thanks--Richard

[Nota Bene: when talking about aerials for radios, the proper spelling is antenna, and the plural is antennas.--jimh]

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Phil T
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Re: 170 Montauk antenna location

Postby Phil T » Wed May 08, 2019 6:09 pm

Due to the antenna length, install the antenna on a ratchet rail mount on the right side of the top grab rail of the console.

https://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-4190-Ratchet-Rail-Mount/dp/B00AIUME4W

I prefer a 8-foot fiberglass antenna or 4-foot antenna on a 4-foot extension on a ratchet rail mount on the aft rail. There it does not interfere with bimini and folds for storage.

My last boat - https://get.google.com/albumarchive/110044231333731607664/album/AF1QipMQByK0KS98KhMpEijnORf_ncu6vNtagona--bX/AF1QipM6PouyeGpB0cz9s5lR3_pMG2OnJ9iYCQpL8ZQA
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Re: Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console

Postby jimh » Thu May 09, 2019 9:14 am

If you are new to VHF Marine Band radio installation and use on small boats, read my primer on that topic:

VHF Marine Band Radio Installation on a Small Boat
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/refere ... ation.html

In reply to your four criteria for antenna location on your small center console boat:

  1. Any notion of locating the antenna for best esthetic appearance should be subordinate to the location that works best for the purpose of the antenna: to effectively receive and transmit radio signals.
  2. Generally all VHF Marine Band radio antennas will work best if located clear of any other conductors and oriented so the antenna is vertical.
  3. To avoid mechanical interference between the antenna and any boat canvas, do not mount the antenna under the boat canvas.
  4. Generally all VHF Marine Band radio antennas on boats of all sizes are mounted with a ratchet mount that permits the antenna to be lowered to a horizontal position from the normal vertical orientation. This method should be used for your boat. This should satisfy your concern about entry into your garage.

You mention a "3-foot antenna" so I presume it is a metal whip type antenna. My very strong preference in antennas of that type is for the GAM SS-2 antenna and the GAM ADAP-II mount. See examples of installation of that antenna at

VHF Marine Band Antennas For Small Boats
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/VHFAntenna.html

I do not recommend installing an antenna on a small center console grab rail. There will be a tendency for the antenna to become part of the grab rail, and putting a hand on the antenna could damage the antenna or the hand. Also, installation on the console grab rail puts the antenna under the boat canvas, which should be avoided.

Your mention of the boat in a garage suggests the boat will towed on a trailer. At highway speeds above 30-MPH the wind loading on a antenna or mast that is left in the vertical operating position will put considerable stress on the antenna mount. I never tow my boat on the highway at a speed above 30-MPH with the antenna left in the operating position.