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| VHF/Antenna mount https://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=14546 |
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| Author: | CassLaker [ Wed Oct 28, 2015 9:04 pm ] |
| Post subject: | VHF/Antenna mount |
Hey guys I'm new to the forum. I hadn't heard of this site until recently, I wish I would have earlier. Anyways, I have a 2003 Horizon 190 and now that the season is over I'm already looking to get ready for next season. I'm looking to install a fixed mount VHF radio and I was hoping someone on here has done the same with a Horizon(I'm sure someone has) and could walk me through a few of the steps. I have a couple ideas about where to mount the antenna but would like some insight on that. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks ahead of time. |
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| Author: | MichiWinner [ Thu Oct 29, 2015 10:06 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: VHF/Antenna mount |
Not really answering your question, but are you referring to Cass Lake in Michigan? |
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| Author: | CassLaker [ Thu Oct 29, 2015 3:46 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: VHF/Antenna mount |
MichiWinner wrote: Not really answering your question, but are you referring to Cass Lake in Michigan? I was wondering if anyone would pick up on that.. Yes the name is referring to Cass Lake, in Michigan. I live about a mile from the Dodge Park and have had our Horizon out there every year since we've owned it. |
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| Author: | LouC [ Thu Oct 29, 2015 4:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: VHF/Antenna mount |
My boat's had one for years, originally installed by the previous owner. When I finally upgraded it because the old antenna was getting really ratty and the mount was a plastic one that broke a few times, I noticed that there was no backing wood to reinforce the mounting area. This area does get some stress because of the movement of the antenna in rough water. So I made up 2 interlocking pieces of plywood and bedded them against the 'glass with 3M 4200 to keep the wood from pressing on the 'glass too much. That and through bolting makes for a strong installation. Here are some pix... https://www.dropbox.com/s/zqf0e5aewibqq ... a.jpg?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/nbd50bxixvnav ... g.jpg?dl=0 I did it this way because there were already holes there from the original installation but there are easier ways to mount a VHF antenna, if you have bow or stern rails, you can get a clamp that clamps to the rails and the antenna attaches to it. VHF is not required by Coast Guard rules here but it really should be. Its the only thing that will allow you to send off a distress signal (when linked up to a GPS unit) just by pushing a button. Cell phones can work but if they get wet they are useless. |
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| Author: | CassLaker [ Thu Oct 29, 2015 6:57 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: VHF/Antenna mount |
LouC wrote: My boat's had one for years, originally installed by the previous owner. When I finally upgraded it because the old antenna was getting really ratty and the mount was a plastic one that broke a few times, I noticed that there was no backing wood to reinforce the mounting area. This area does get some stress because of the movement of the antenna in rough water. So I made up 2 interlocking pieces of plywood and bedded them against the 'glass with 3M 4200 to keep the wood from pressing on the 'glass too much. That and through bolting makes for a strong installation. Here are some pix... https://www.dropbox.com/s/zqf0e5aewibqq ... a.jpg?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/nbd50bxixvnav ... g.jpg?dl=0 I did it this way because there were already holes there from the original installation but there are easier ways to mount a VHF antenna, if you have bow or stern rails, you can get a clamp that clamps to the rails and the antenna attaches to it. VHF is not required by Coast Guard rules here but it really should be. Its the only thing that will allow you to send off a distress signal (when linked up to a GPS unit) just by pushing a button. Cell phones can work but if they get wet they are useless. Thanks for the reply. Now that you mention it, I think I maybe would be better off mounting to one of the hand rails along the bow. It may not look as clean or as sleek but it should save me some headaches drilling/supporting the mount like you had to do. And I agree, If you're going to be on anything other than an inland lake you should have a vhf. I have gotten by without one over the years but I also have not been out on the open water all that often. Even for just talking to harbor masters and listening to freighter traffic will make it worth it for me. Of course my main reason for installing is in the event of an emergency on open water. |
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| Author: | Lakebum [ Thu Oct 29, 2015 8:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: VHF/Antenna mount |
Casslaker- I have an extra ss mount just like the one in Lou's picture if you want. I was cleaning out a big box of spare parts in the garage and noticed it in there. Not sure what they cost, but just pick up the shipping if you want it. |
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