New Member from Washington State

[eFISHnt]

Hello, I live in Washington state and spend time boating and fishing the Columbia River. I just purchased a new 21 Ft Custom Weld and wanting to install a VHF Marine Radio.
The boat will have a partial hard top and my question is, what would be a good combination of radio and antenna for this boat. West Marine in Portland suggested a Uniden 525 with a Shakespere 396-1 5 ft antenna. Will this antenna be too short if mounted on the gunnel? Do I really need 8 ft? Any input on this combination please advise.


Thanks

[bc22]

Congrats on the new ride! what engine did you have installed on this welded al. boat?

The "amount" of antannae is dependant upon your boating and area conditions.
Going offshore 20 miles+? Get a min. of a quality 8' whip mounted high
Going offshore 1-2 miles only? 4-5' quality whip maybe fine.

I recommend either ICOM or Std Horizon.

i haven't checked today, but there is a member selling white ICOM ?602's? for about $280 which is a steal! see misc. sell forum.

Remember that majority of the time reception/transmission voice quality is an antannae issue, so don't scimp and look to save $ here, get a high quality whip.

Also check out www.pacificaerials.com. on their website they have a pdf file "more info." that goes over whip height, gain, etc. that may help clarify what you need. also i bought their 8' whip and switched fr. a similar shake's galaxy whip so i can be able to easily disconnect and remove the antanna (might be a good option for you if you decide to mount the whip on the hard half top)

[Radio University]

For the price, the Uniden 525 is a great radio! It has similiar specs to the ICOM M504. I used to reside in WA State and am familiar with the Columbia River. I think the 5 footer antenna would be fine for range BUT for quality construction and range I would step it up to the 5225XT. (which is 8ft)

[Hewesfissher]

I second the Uniden 525--Have had mine now for a year with great performance 40+ miles off shore with a Galaxy 8' antenna.

[eFISHnt]

Thanks for the good feedback. The Portland Sportsman Show will be coming to town in two weeks. I'll see if there are any good sales on quality radios and antennas. The 5226 FLT sounds like a good choice and it's 8 ft. Will have to compare to the internet sales and do some home work before the show. I have some time as the boat will be delivered to the dealer by March 15. The hard part is the wait!

The motor ordered for my Custom Weld will be a 350 Vortec PFI with a AT 312 Pump w/ HTR.
The boat dearler quoted me a price of$90.00 to install the radio and antenna.

Thanks
vern

[bc22]

Jet power!!!!

If you don't go far offshore, consider a dual antanna (VHF and cellular in a single whip), and you may never miss a call again!

my 0.02


Currently only a single boat owner again > 19' Thunderjet Luxor w/ 175 Merc SJet
on my next sea going boat, i'll consider a dual whip since most areas on the BC west coast has poor reception.