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Alternative satellite antenna mounting location ideas?
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Alternative satellite antenna mounting location ideas?
Hello all! I enjoy the forum. I just bought an Intellian i1 and am looking for input on alternative mounting locations. I have a 2001 Rinker 242 without a radar arch. The locations I have thought of mounting the antenna are; on the starboard stern of the boat on some type of power tower, or somewhere on the bow rail with a rail antenna mount. I think the stern mounting would look better, but I am concerned with interference (as in signal block) from my bimini top. I would like some input from the other members and any pics of alternative installations you may have done.
As you can tell from the pics I have a trailered boat so I am not looking for the most permanent installation. I am just looking for input and solutions from others.
Also, when I install the Intellian unit on the boat I plan to write a full review on the product with pics. I built a temporary mount in the bed of my truck, set it up, drove around, and it is SWEET!
On my boat the antenna is the same unit that is on my truck, I don't open the hatch for any reason so I stuck it to the bottom of the window on the hatch with double sided sticky tape. Works great there. I did have it stuck under the bow inside the anchor locker and it shot through the fiberglass just fine unless the bow rail was in perfect alignment or my daughter was standing over it. I suggest you use a regular antenna and try the spot you like the most before you mount one, remember other boats may tie up next to you and if they have a tower it could block your signal. center of the boat is best up high as you can get it.
I think the front deck location would have the clearest signal. I know the center of the boat would be the best location as far as yaw is concerned. I am on pretty calm waters so I don't really worry about the rocking.
fldmax, the antenna emory is talking about is a satellite tv antenna, not just radio. I not sure how large the antenna is, but if its not too large I would suggest the middle of the front deck between the hatch and the windshield. Maybe a bit closer to the hatch than the window to keep people from stepping on it on their way to the front deck.
I think no matter where you mount it, it's going to look out of place and ruin the lines of the boat. No different than a radome, you need a hardtop or arch to properly mount it.
If you mount it on the bow you're going to beat the cr** out of it, a short stern mount might work, but the satellite sits low on the horizon and if you don't mount it high enough the boat itself could block the satellite, as well as anyone walking around on deck.
Aesthetically (just one guy's opinion), I'd mount just aft of the hatch, centered on it. Provided- you still have room to get through the windshield to go forward. The rail mount might work, but then you have to figure out how you're going to run the cable. Downside to the stern is it's mounted low, and in a location where it might get banged around. That's an expensive little gizmo, and you don't want someone leaning on it...
According to DirecTV (if that's your service provider) you need a clear view all around between 30 and 60 degrees.
If you mount on the foredeck, be sure to seal the mounting holes with epoxy and use a good sealant to keep the coring dry.
Have you considered adding an arch? It would look attractive on your boat, and solve the mounting problem. You could also add other accesories like lights and radar down the road. Depending on your canvas setup, arches can sometimes be made to fit over your existing canvas. You could probably get one custom built for $1000-$1500...
I would be interested in an arch...but it would need to be foldable so I can still store the boat. I guess I would have to look at all the options possible. I am open to suggestions. Who would be a good source for an arch close to TN?
I was worried to but it does not bother mine at all.
If your talking about the gps antenna just put it as far forward on the dash up by the window as you can. Mine is mounted in the dash of my bay boat. Ordered a 8 foot top and was worried about it messing up the signal but it does not hurt it at all and its just about half way in the middle.
Bay boat will touch 55 and it has never lost signal.
Surprised me but it works fine.
__________________ Fountain 31TE...... Hydra Sports 21 Bay...... Dodge 3500 Camping unit "Gone Fishing"..... Tinker Toy..... Sunset Point Nixonton NC
I would be interested in an arch...but it would need to be foldable so I can still store the boat. I guess I would have to look at all the options possible. I am open to suggestions. Who would be a good source for an arch close to TN?
I doubt you're going to find a custom fabricator in TN., but no matter. Arches are easily shipped, and can be built to fold fore/aft if desired.
Alternative satellite antenna mounting location ideas? 
