VHF antenna

[Cheapie408]

Yup, I did it, forgot to lower it and snapped 5 inches off the tip.

It's a Shakespear 5101, on shakespear site, for a boat under 24ft they are saying a 3db gain like a 4 footer is more suitable but all of my boat 21-24 foot always had 8 footer and I've broke antenna every few years.

Deciding if I should replace it for the same, getting something shorter or buy a Galaxy or digital. I'm hesitating on getting a more expensive one since I'll probably break it again before it die of old age and if I can get away with a 4f footer maybe it's a better choice.

I'm usually about 10 miles out but would like to be able to go 20+ miles out at some point.

 

[warthog5]

Replace with a Digital 529....They have a special end on them....Easier to install.....Easier to replace when broken.
Why? Because it has a special end on it....So no cutting the end off and having to solder. There is a end on the cable...It's JUST slightly larger than the coax......Then there is a adpter that screws on that and also screws into the back of the VHF.

No you don't want a shorter antenna.. Not unless you want to decrease your range?

The Digital 529 is 8ft....Personally....I install the Black ones....But there are White if you prefer.

 

[Cheapie408]

Just ordered the exact same one as I have now. I don't have an issue with soldering and by time I'm done, I'll be cutting my cable down to 18 inches so I think it's not a big deal. My antenna is right above my radio.