www.iFourWinns.com

I finally did it. Backing into the well yesterday, forgot the antenna was up and SNAP! It broke about two inches up from the mount.

Can I fix this myself? How much for a new antenna? Appreciate any suggestions/advice.

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2006 348 Vista
"some days you're the bug and some days you're the windshield"

Easy fix. Just replace the antenna in the old mount. They are not real cheap, but what is on a boat?

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Been there done that. I'm not an electronics expert, but I do remember reading several things that advised against fixing and replacement was the only way to go. I actually bought a stronger antenna the second time around. I never forgot to leave it up again but, after the fact, I actually thought cheaper might be the way to go if it happened again. I would rather have the antenna give than the fiberglass the mount is attached to. Expect to pay $100 or more for a replacement. I ordered mine online.

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2008 Horizon 260 VP 8.1 Gi

Yep, definately replace the antenna. If you try and repair the old one, there is a good chance that you will blow the output stage of your transmitter if not done perfectly. Much quicker, simpler and cheaper to replace the antenna...!

Everyone knows what BOAT stands for - Break Open Another Thousand...!!

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

Thanx for the advice. turned out to be an easy replacement operation. best part was the cost - $63 for the antenna (on sale at West) and the splice connector!

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2006 348 Vista
"some days you're the bug and some days you're the windshield"

Damn, out of WM with all the stuff necessary for under a hundred? You're one lucky devil this week.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

you're right Bill. I left fast before the price went up.

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2006 348 Vista
"some days you're the bug and some days you're the windshield"

Heh, jokes aside, I've had great luck using my smartphone to lookup online prices and use that to finagle a better price at the WM stores. Sure, it's a bit of work but nothing's free in life and certainly not when boats are involved!

Lately I've found WM to have a pretty good price for most stuff. Sure, there's local sales tax to consider but shipping on stuff really seems to have crept up lately. When the total is within $10 I figure that's a reasonable margin to pay to keep a local retail store around. Not to mention their return policy is a hell of a lot less hassle than shipping something back to an online retailer.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista