VHF antenna rail mount

[SRE372]

I just had a t top installed on my boat.. I was thinking of trying to go with a rail mount for the vhf antenna. the top rail is constructed with pipe that measures 1 5/16" outside dia.I see boaters world sells a rail mount that goes to 1 1/2"dia.This would save me the trouble of putting holes thru the top and the fabric.Anyone have any suggestions or has gone this route.Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks

[jtburf]

sound's like a plan if the rail turns out to be too large,
get a strip of material (same as rail) get it 3/32 thick and wrap or bend around the rail
to fill the void....

Hope it helps' ...John

[Fishing-Rod]

Is this the rail mount you were talking about?


----------

If Yes,
It doesn't have a rachet to allow you to lay down your antenna if you go under a low clearance bridge or while your towing. Plus (I think) you would have to drill a hole in your T-Top tubing to run the antenna cable through it and up through the mount to your antenna. I just recently added a second radio plus second antenna and all the rail mount ratcheting antenna mounts I've seen only fit 7/8"-1" pipes. Here's one from Cabelas for $29.99



So if you ever need to lay your antenna down you'll probably need to install a standard base mount and unfortunately drill holes.

Thanks, Fishing-Rod

[chilli]

I have the ratcheting mount shown above supporting my VHF antenna on the t top. No problems. Easy to reach when you drop the antenna. Has proven solid in heavy seas. I wouldn't feel bad recommending it.

Only suggestion. Try to buy the mount slightly oversized. This allows you to insert a small sheet of rubber around the t-top rail inbetween the mount and rail. This will prevent oxidation of the t-top. I pull my mount off a couple of times each year and apply a fresh coat of aluminum cleaner to keep the oxidation from occuring since it is a hard spot to wash properly.

[19Maycraft]

I am purchasing the bigger rail mount from Boaters World my self..I got the smaller one and it was to small, the one that fits one to one and a half will be fine its part number 31-603-1566, they will probably have to order it as they dont keep it in stock.....Its hard for me to drill holes through the fabric and into my brand new t-top...you cant go wrong with the rail mount.///

[Fishing-Rod]

Something to check out, the product name says 1-1 1/2" but the description states:
[i]"Ratchet action, fast release design for quick laydown. Mounts easily on 7/8'' or 1'' rails vertically or horizontally. Made from a 316 stainless steel so no worries about corrosion."[i]

So either the product name is wrong or the decription... just confirm before you buy.

thanks, Fishing-Rod

[presson]

Shakespeare part # 4188SL Ratchet Rail Mount is for 1" to 1.5".


255CC Sea Pro
Niceville FL

[SRE372]

Thanks for the help guys.I located a rail mount by Shakespeare that is good for up to 1 1/2' dia.this should do the trick saving me the headache of putting holes thru the fabric.I will also add a small piece of rubber underneath as suggested.Now anyone got any ideas on mounting the white all around light without going thru fabric.I was thinking of just screwing or riveting it to top rail in the rear of t top.Any thoughts
Thanks

[Fishing-Rod]

Attaching it with a stainless steel U-bolt would probably work, just depends upon the hole spacing on the mount.


Thanks, Fishing-Rod

[sand box]

I just mounted my digital antenna to the ttop rail and got the bracket from them. My ttop rail was over 1 inch.

[sand box]

I just mounted my digital antenna to the ttop rail and got the bracket from Bethel Marine. My ttop rail was over 1 inch.