Antenna & Mount Suggestions

[thefoyboy]

This is a great board with lots of information I have picked up here and would like to ask a question. I am buying an Icom M402 and would like to have suggestions for a good antenna to match with it and prefer to keep the antenna under 8 feet. Also, a good mount match for the antenna.

Thanks in advance for all advice...

[Taken Lightly]

I run the Shakespeare 5225 XT with my Icom M402. I picked up the mount at West Marine not sure who makes it but it's labeled extra heavy duty. The Antenna is 8' & is mounted on my hard top.

[Kamper]

The signal range is more determined by the height of the antenna than it's over-all length. If*an 8ft deck mount might be in the way, a 4ft mounted to your top would be a good alternative. If course, if you can mount an 8 ft to your hard top like shown above on "Taken Lightly," that would be even better.*

If you havent already, scan this board for "antenna." Some of the previous posts were written by guys with electronics training.

Good luck!

[thefoyboy]

Thanks for the responses. Kemper, I did a scan once but will do so again. I plan on mounting this antenna to my gunwale and believe an 8' will serve me well there as a result.

[thefoyboy]

Kemper, thanks for the suggestion to search further. In doing so it has answered my question. The Digital 529 is the route I will take and thank you. My only question is mount. From what I read it seems a stainless steel type is the way to go with a ratchet connection since I will need to lower it when trailering.

[Big E]

Without a doubt the DIGITAL will far out do the Shakey!

I would also suggest you look at the S/S mounts by DLilly Co. They are as good (better?) than the widely advertised Shakespeare equivalents. Also less expensive.

I have 3 on my boat (3 seasons) and they don't even show oxidation stains from non stainless metals that are nearby.

I've included a picture from one of the reatiler webs:

http://www.brokenlegdave.com/Manufac...ages/105_2.gif

[thefoyboy]

Very nice Big E. That is pretty much what I was looking for. Now you have answered the second part of my equation and I thank you for that. Looks like Dave is the price leader for both items unless someone has a better suggestion. Probably do need to buy some kind of retaining clip to hold the tip in place when I lay it down on the gunwhale. Is the Shakespeare brand the way to go or are there alternatives for this as well? Now once I get all this and get ready for the install, I will be back with a few more questions I am sure. Thanks for the patient answers and suggestions. It is a great site here.

[Kamper]

I use a 4ft whip from Shakespeare but*I get the impression more people on this board prefer Digital. I got mine as part of a package.

[Big E]

thefoyboy - 5/24/2004 6:18 PM

Very nice Big E. That is pretty much what I was looking for. Now you have answered the second part of my equation and I thank you for that. Looks like Dave is the price leader for both items unless someone has a better suggestion. Probably do need to buy some kind of retaining clip to hold the tip in place when I lay it down on the gunwhale. Is the Shakespeare brand the way to go or are there alternatives for this as well? Now once I get all this and get ready for the install, I will be back with a few more questions I am sure. Thanks for the patient answers and suggestions. It is a great site here.

OOPS! I didn't check the URL that I posted. I assumed it was a direct link to the manufacturer. I generally like to help the vendors who are sponsors here on ThHullTruth. I would check Yacht By Owner ( www.ByOwnerGroup.com) or Three Rivers Marine for some prices. Jim gives good service and a discount IF you were a Captain's Club Member!

Not that BrokenLeg Dave is not good, since I personally have had good service from them. The company that I mentioned D Lilly, also makes the other hardware and accessories like that retainng clip.