Antenna placement on a 17-foot classic MONTAUK center console will be influenced by:
--need to have a clean transom for angling; if you are not a big-time angler, mount the antenna on the starboard stern quarter;
--need to have a Flying Top or Sun Top; if you won't have canvas over the center console, mount a GAM SS-2 whip on a 4-foot extension mast to a ratchet base mounted to the forward starboard side of the console;
If you are both an angler and have weather canvas over the center console, mount a GAM SS-2 whip on a 4-foot extension mast to a ratchet base mount located so the antenna and mast fold down between the side rails and the gunwale; the ratchet base can be aft of the center console and the antenna folds forward for stowing; or alternately the base could be forward of the center console and mast folds to the stern (but routing the transmission line could be a problem).
For details of the GAM SS-2 antenna and its mounting details, see the REFERENCE SECTION article at
VHF Marine Band Antennas For Small Boatshttp://continuouswave.com/whaler/refere ... tenna.htmlWorst possible installation: a 3-foot metal whip mounted to the console railing. Don't make that mistake. It will be an eye-poker and will be too close to the transmitter and other electronics.
Worst antenna: 8-foot fiberglass-encased antenna; avoid this style. The fiberglass will fracture unless you are extremely careful with handling it. Also, people tend to grab onto the antenna as a hand-hold.
For additional advice on installation of a radio on a small boat, I recommend you read my article
VHF Marine Band Radio Installation on a Small Boathttp://continuouswave.com/whaler/refere ... ation.htmlThe article discusses antenna placement as well as many other considerations for radio installation in small boats.