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Random Quote: Boats......If it isn't one thing, it's another.
Well today, I drove down to Don's Marine to check out our new Parker 2310. It looks great, bolted up to the new F250. Parker made most all the changes I wanted. They didn't mount the binnacle because I wanted it moved to the right an inch or so. They also didn't mount the gages or compass. I had templates of where I wanted everything mounted, so I taped them into place and the dealer will mount them. I'll now have room to place the elecronic displays as planned. They didn't mount the 2 rear facing seats, but shipped them as instructed in the cuddy. I'll also mount the raw water washdown fitting in a better location than the factory placement. Now, I have to order the electronics package. Mostly all Raymarine, except for the VHF which
I'm leaning toward Standard Horizon Quantum. I've had the suggestion
to use a 4' VHF antenna. I was going to use a Digital 529 which is 8', but the 8' length causes problems when it's time for shrinkwrap. It extends far back of the hardtop. The Digital 528 is a 4' length, and would just lay on the hardtop. Anyway, won't get to put it in the water till April. The dealer will do the first 2 hours of breakin on the Yammy.
We still got a ways to go with winter, but it should be a good summer this year.
congrats. use it well and get everything where and how you want it, do not settle for second best-do it your way!
Don't forget a christening ceremony and a name for her!
Bullshipper. From what I read here between this and the electronics forum, I thought that the folks leaned a bit toward the Digital as far as quality over Shakespeare. Also, all of Shakespeares 4 or 5 foot antennas are 3db gain. The 4 foot Digital has 4.5db gain. My thinking
is that it would have more range. The 8' antennas have 6db gain.
Any other thoughts?? I'm actually in poor protocol here, as this subject should be on the electronics forum.
The antenna is way more important then the swrink wrap. You can always take the 1 bolt out the ratchet assembly and lay the antenna along side the cabin if you allow enough slack in tha cable. Since this is just a once a year thing, no big deal. Dont sell yourself short on the antenna. You might need that extra range one day.
Capt Dan's and Hawkeyes points are well taken, but the 5' fits your length, adds a foot to what you are considering, is a much better stonger antenna than you will usually see from shakesphere, is $20 less than I quoted you but more than their regular cheapies, will last longer than an 8' if you really bounce around, has a 6 db reception if I remember right, and is used by the coast gaurd guys who seem to know a thing or two.
Love at first sight 
