What VHF antenna is best?

Big Fathead · 08-16-2007, 11:02 AM

I have a hardtop boat with a Standard 3000 VHF installed and would like to install a new antenna. Which antenna would give me the best range that I can mount on a fold down antenna mount. The radio has Fog Horn, Whistle and hailer capabilities. Has anyone ever used the Fog Horn on a speaker and if so is it loud and does it sound okay?

Is there any way of testing the distress call portion of the radio? I ask on channel 16 if I could send a test Distress call to find out if everything is operating properly but the Coast Guard did not answer.

LuckyLady · 08-16-2007, 11:39 AM

Go with a digital 529 antenna

BTH284 · 08-16-2007, 12:08 PM

I will second the digital antenna. No problems with mine at all.

John_Bray · 08-20-2007, 09:06 AM

If you want the best, your choices are the the Digital 529 or the Shakespear 5225XT. They are equal in transmit and receiving capability. You will read many reports on the "net" where boaters replaced their old antenna with a Digital 529 and miraculously got 1,0000% better range. In actuality, their old antenna was probably bad anyway so ANY new antenna would have been a
"step up".

All of that aside (and to prove I'm not partial to either product), the Digital is easier to install since it comes pre-wired with a proprietary mini connector so no soldering needed for the pesky 259 connector.

John_Bray · 08-20-2007, 09:09 AM

One other point to add, the outer antenna casing of the Digital is "filled" with a silicone-type filler which helps it remain rigid. The Shakespear casing is hollow with the antenna element being taped and glued to the inside of the casing.

All in all, the Digital is better constructed.

FinRazr · 08-20-2007, 03:16 PM

Look into conrad

pellicot · 08-22-2007, 06:34 PM

Fin Rzar -meant Comrod. They are equal or better than the Digital antenna but harder to find. They come from Norway I believe and work fantastic.

08-16-2007, 11:02 AM	#1
Big Fathead Newbie on board Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 11 Credits: 1,215.2	What VHF antenna is best? I have a hardtop boat with a Standard 3000 VHF installed and would like to install a new antenna. Which antenna would give me the best range that I can mount on a fold down antenna mount. The radio has Fog Horn, Whistle and hailer capabilities. Has anyone ever used the Fog Horn on a speaker and if so is it loud and does it sound okay? Is there any way of testing the distress call portion of the radio? I ask on channel 16 if I could send a test Distress call to find out if everything is operating properly but the Coast Guard did not answer.

08-20-2007, 09:06 AM	#4
John_Bray My best friend has a 65 footer Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: The island of Guam Posts: 64 Credits: 1,217.5 Occupation: Federal Employee	If you want the best, your choices are the the Digital 529 or the Shakespear 5225XT. They are equal in transmit and receiving capability. You will read many reports on the "net" where boaters replaced their old antenna with a Digital 529 and miraculously got 1,0000% better range. In actuality, their old antenna was probably bad anyway so ANY new antenna would have been a "step up". All of that aside (and to prove I'm not partial to either product), the Digital is easier to install since it comes pre-wired with a proprietary mini connector so no soldering needed for the pesky 259 connector. __________________

08-20-2007, 09:09 AM	#5
John_Bray My best friend has a 65 footer Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: The island of Guam Posts: 64 Credits: 1,217.5 Occupation: Federal Employee	One other point to add, the outer antenna casing of the Digital is "filled" with a silicone-type filler which helps it remain rigid. The Shakespear casing is hollow with the antenna element being taped and glued to the inside of the casing. All in all, the Digital is better constructed. __________________

08-20-2007, 03:16 PM	#6
FinRazr Crab mustard is good Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 845 Credits: 1,350.9	Look into conrad __________________ DID YOU SAY YOU WANT SOME OF THIS ACTION!!

08-22-2007, 06:34 PM	#7
pellicot Hide- My Wifes Logged On Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Frederick, MD Posts: 158 Credits: 1,233.7	Fin Rzar -meant Comrod. They are equal or better than the Digital antenna but harder to find. They come from Norway I believe and work fantastic. __________________ _______________________________ Rob - 24' Hydrasports "Reel Screamer" Frederick, MD & Chincoteague, VA

08-16-2007, 11:39 AM	#2
LuckyLady "Life is what you make it!" Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Manahawkin, NJ Posts: 3,677 Credits: 13,062.9 Boat: CONTENDER 36 CUDDY 23 OPEN 36 FISHAROUND Home Port: EAST COAST Best Catch: There is always something better!	Go with a digital 529 antenna

08-16-2007, 12:08 PM	#3
BTH284 I think Admin is going to let me have this space Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Inshore Posts: 2,546 Credits: 1,889.5 Boat: 23 shortbus Home Port: Morehead City Occupation: Project Mgr	I will second the digital antenna. No problems with mine at all.

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