Rail Mount Standoff for Antenna - The Hull Truth

Shag · 03-17-2006, 10:31 AM

I am finally going to get rid of my little sailboat antenna and get a 8' glass one. I have a BW 21 with a wooden console and am going to use a ratchet mount on the front center of the console. Problem is that I have a console rail that the antenna would be beating against it. I looked at the standoffs available and they all have a mounting bracket that bolts on, none have a rail mount. Has anybody seen such an animal? I guess I could always do some type of figure eight knot with small double braid but would rather have something more permanant.

Mumblerone · 03-17-2006, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Shag - 3/17/2006 6:31 I guess I could always do some type of figure eight knot with small double braid but would rather have something more permanant.

I did exactly that on my 18' BW. I was able to quickly lay it down on the starboard swivel seat when trailering. Worked great.

t3rockhall · 03-17-2006, 11:25 AM

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|344|295760|28484&id=28485

Shag · 03-17-2006, 04:01 PM

t3rockhall, the console is almost vertical on the front and I am using a ratchet type mount bolted into the console so it will lay forward. My problem is that when the antenna is vertical it will be within an inch or two of the console rail. I was trying to find a standoff bracket that would hook to the rail. The only ones I can find have a bracket that bolts to a flat surface and even then they are too long.

My other option is to simply use a piece of small double braid and do a figure eight around the rail and antenna. This will hold the antenna to the rail and protect it from the rail at the same time. I am sure I could "engineer" something but sometimes simpler is better.

This isn't my boat but one like it. I am planning on mounting the ratchet mount near the top center of the front of the console. I just wanted something to keep it from beating the rail.

Anywho, I think that is going to be one of my weekend projects so I'll post pics next week.

Bailey Boat · 03-17-2006, 04:56 PM

Shag, measure the diameter of the antenna shaft where it would contact the rail and put a piece of heat shrink (of the proper size) at that point............ done.........

Mumblerone · 03-17-2006, 09:58 PM

Shag...I had mine on the side of the consol, about mid-way up (at seat level). When I trailered the boat it would lay down on the seat. When runnig I would tie it off the rail.

Kamper · 03-18-2006, 08:25 AM

I think I know exactly what you need.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...h-results1.jsp

I found these at Cabela's under a search for "light pole." This example is a flexible plastic/synthetic rubber but I got some that apeared to be more regular rubber but cant remember where. Probably at W/M or a boat chandler shop.

You can either screw one of these U-clips onto your rail or you can fasten two, back-to-back, together. It is likely that a loop could be put threw the hole for a quick toss over the antenna which would leave you a spare since they are only sold as pairs.

Good luck!

Chaps · 03-18-2006, 08:35 AM

If the mount is just below the rail I doubt that the antenna is going to beat against it. They don't flex much at their bottom end. Now, if you are planning to use a nylon ratchet mount then you might have some contact but I doubt a problem if you use a stainless mount.

Stretch · 03-18-2006, 09:18 AM

I would ratchet the antenna a click or two forward of plumb. That little bit won't affect performance.

Shag · 03-18-2006, 09:23 AM

Thanks for all the feedback. If it wasn't for the Bimini top I would simply put it on top of the console and fold it back when trailering. But if I put the Bimini up I don't want it folding back in my way. I am going to take ya'lls suggestions, a catalogue, a beer, and go sit in the boat and "study" it. Thanks again!

pbruce66 · 03-18-2006, 10:48 AM

I think this is what you are looking for but it may push the antenna too far away from the rail.

http://www.marisafe.com/Store/viewIt...&FLT=253050208

Kamper · 03-18-2006, 12:28 PM

Put it on the bimini then. I have mine on the front bow. Takes a little sewing but it gets it up higher. Leave the locking screw a little loose or keep the hex wrench handy for when you fold the bimini back. I put mine on the rear-bow at first but moved it to the front because it's easier to lower the antenna under way for bridge clearance.

Of course, I only have a 4 ft whip. For a full-length 8ft glass antenna you may want to put it on the side instead of the top.

Good luck!