Using Handheld Radio as Alternative to Fixed Mount Radio with Antenna
Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 1:08 pm
I just purchased a 2014 190 Montauk. I am staring at the spot where the broken Shakespeare antenna used to reside [mounted at center console side panel].
My boat has a Bimini top. I live in Florida, therefore the Bimini top will most decidedly be up [thus limiting antenna height for console mounting]. Also, the windscreen grab rail would appear to potentially impede any extension with the diameter of a Shakespeare extension mast. The bracket could have a spacer fabricated, but that would only serve to increase the torque in the only area of the boat exhibiting light spider cracks.
Alas, I think I will have to compromise [and instead of a fixed mount radio get a handheld radio]. I can't envision a scenario for my usage on both lakes and on inland coastal water where a handheld with DSC would not suffice. If I am in a situation where my radio is needed to make a call, I would not want to be dependent on my boat having power. I'll take the reduced range, the portability, and the independent power, and I will be sure to have an EPIRB ready to be deployed. At least the boat won't sink.
{The radio and antenna location were] definitely an inelegant solution by Boston Whaler to make use of a fixed-mount radio in the console [of the 190 MONTAUK]. It looks good, but has limited effectiveness.
I'll probably replace the broken antenna with a new one to be broken again. But damn that hole in the dash where the old radio resides.
My boat has a Bimini top. I live in Florida, therefore the Bimini top will most decidedly be up [thus limiting antenna height for console mounting]. Also, the windscreen grab rail would appear to potentially impede any extension with the diameter of a Shakespeare extension mast. The bracket could have a spacer fabricated, but that would only serve to increase the torque in the only area of the boat exhibiting light spider cracks.
Alas, I think I will have to compromise [and instead of a fixed mount radio get a handheld radio]. I can't envision a scenario for my usage on both lakes and on inland coastal water where a handheld with DSC would not suffice. If I am in a situation where my radio is needed to make a call, I would not want to be dependent on my boat having power. I'll take the reduced range, the portability, and the independent power, and I will be sure to have an EPIRB ready to be deployed. At least the boat won't sink.
{The radio and antenna location were] definitely an inelegant solution by Boston Whaler to make use of a fixed-mount radio in the console [of the 190 MONTAUK]. It looks good, but has limited effectiveness.
I'll probably replace the broken antenna with a new one to be broken again. But damn that hole in the dash where the old radio resides.