VHF antenna choice...

Gil Marlin · Jun-30-2009, 01:02 PM

I broke my antenna last trip to Baja and am looking at replacements. There are a bunch of them with the same specs 8', 6db, 50watts, 15' RG58 cable, etc. but with prices from $40 -$100. What's the difference??? Same retailer, same manufacturer...

Done_Deal · Jun-30-2009, 09:36 PM

Can't go wrong with a Shakespear Galaxy series. Larger/stronger internal elements are the reason for the higher price.

baloot-boy · Jun-30-2009, 10:31 PM

About a foot of my Shakespeare Galaxe 5225-XP just broke off this past weekend on a bridge. I forgot to bring it down after we left Shelter. I got it last year from West Marine after they matched defender.com price at $121. I went in today and got the Galaxy 5225-XT (lower model since they didn't have the XP in stock). Once again West Marine matched Defender.com price, this time at $102. Not bad prices as long as they match.

SeaHawk IV · Jun-30-2009, 11:02 PM

I have a Shakespeare Mariner 8700 (8') from WestMarine. Its hooked up to a WestMarine VHF650 radio. So far, I get outstanding reception. When I'm out in the San Pedro Channel area, I hear transmission as far south as Oceanside to San Clemente Island and as far north to Ventura harbor area. I've never tried to communicate with anybody that far but good to know what is happening on our waters on channel 16.

riverplayer · Jun-30-2009, 11:15 PM

yup.....5225 XP........never a problem in 3 years.

Trayscool · Jul-01-2009, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baloot-boy

About a foot of my Shakespeare Galaxe 5225-XP just broke off this past weekend on a bridge. I forgot to bring it down after we left Shelter. I got it last year from West Marine after they matched defender.com price at $121. I went in today and got the Galaxy 5225-XT (lower model since they didn't have the XP in stock). Once again West Marine matched Defender.com price, this time at $102. Not bad prices as long as they match.

when yu go into west marine to price match how do you talk them into it? bring the ad? thanks!

KID CREOLE · Jul-01-2009, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Done_Deal

Can't go wrong with a Shakespear Galaxy series. Larger/stronger internal elements are the reason for the higher price.

gil,

This is what I run! I was fishing Cat last weekend and could hear everyone talking who was in the Yellowtail shoot out and the guys fishing the tuna grounds!

Wideflange · Jul-01-2009, 06:35 PM

What's the dif between XT and XP?

baloot-boy · Jul-01-2009, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trayscool

when yu go into west marine to price match how do you talk them into it? bring the ad? thanks!

They wont just price match anyone. All of the stuff I've had them match were from Defender.com. They've never ever given me a hard time about it. They do want print out of it though....although I showed them on my blackberry yesterday.

Quote:

What's the dif between XT and XP?

XP apparently uses copper and silver-plated brass elements and has max input of 150W.
XT uses brass and copper elements and has max input of 100W. I'll let you know if I notice a true difference this upcoming weekend, as I'm downgrading to the XT.

Wideflange · Jul-01-2009, 07:49 PM

Right on. I have used the XT for 5 years or so. I haven't had any problems and with cloud cover, I can pick up San Fran Coast Guard sometimes! Thats a loooong way from here.

Gil Marlin · Jul-01-2009, 07:57 PM

Thanks for the replies, after looking inside my broken antenna I was surprised that there is nothing but an unsheathed wire and some foam inside. I don't know what they could do in the more expensive ones to make it a better performing antenna though. Mine broke because it came loose on the road and was smacking the tee top around, so I guess I need to find one that is tee top proof...

ronzob · Jul-01-2009, 08:38 PM

Guys, receiving a signal is not an indication of an antenna's quality of build or anything else. You can stick a wire in there and receive just as well as with a gee whiz antenna.

Gain is nominal and is a function of operation over an ideal ground with an ideal transmitter.

Here's a link that will explain it a bit better.

VHF Marine Antenna Fundamentals

Hearing SF Coasties is a result of ducting which is rather common in the VHF and UHF spectrums.

Proper installation of the radio and ground with a middle of the road radiator will get you more performance than a shitty installation and an expensive radiator.

When the shit hits the fan I want my radio to talk.. .not listen.

R