www.iFourWinns.com

Hi All,
Looking for suggestions on install locations for my soon to be installed VHF radio. I plan on installing the radio in the lower right corner of the console but not sure where to mount the antenna. I haven't purchased the antenna yet but seem to recall a picture where it is mounted on the radar arch. Would it be best to mount as high as possible on the side of the arch (thinking higher is better for signal) or would that cause some unforseen issue.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

_________________
Kevin
'06 V278
8.1 L Volvo
"Heart's Content II"

This is where the boat tech located my antenna. Now it's time to catch grief for keeping it swayed back.

_________________

Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

Her is the factory set-up of radio and antenna on my 2010 278. The antenna is mounted on a moulded flat surface on top of the arch.

_________________

2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX

Thanks for your reply. Curious though to know if the bolts for the antenna mount go completely through the arch (are they visible from the inside of the boat)? I figure they must be to give the mount a solid base but just wanted to confirm.

Very much appreciate your help 298VISTA2000!!!

_________________
Kevin
'06 V278
8.1 L Volvo
"Heart's Content II"

Thanks Guinnydog!

Your VHF radio location is exactly where I planned on installing mine so the picture is very helpful.
The antenna on the top of the arch is interesting. I have the same platform on my 2006 so this could be a good option for me also. I'm in a covered slip so will need to check clearance (although I could lower and raise it when leaving the slip but I can imagine an "oops" moment when returning someday in the future )

How does the antenna fold? I would think it folds to the rear of the boat??

Thanks

_________________
Kevin
'06 V278
8.1 L Volvo
"Heart's Content II"

Kevin,

My antenna will fold either way, but I fold it to the rear when I trailer her. Easy to do, just stand on the walk thru and you can reach it (and the all around white light) easily. The trick is to remember to do it.

Rod

_________________

2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX

Thanks Rod!
This is my next project and I'm fairly certain I will mount the antenna on top.

One final question (I promise) .... any idea what type of hardware is used to mount the antenna (i.e. if they used nuts and bolts do the bolts go completely through the arch (so would be visible from below when standing inside the boat)? My arch has an access point in the middle to get inside the arch but I dont't see one closer to the starboard side (below where your antenna is located).

_________________
Kevin
'06 V278
8.1 L Volvo
"Heart's Content II"

Kevin,

The bolts (or screws) do not go completely through the arch. I would suspect stainless bolts, teflon lock nuts, and large washers were used. Next time I am at the boat, I will open the access hatch and look to see what was used to fasten the antenna base to the arch. I will be in touch.

Rod

_________________

2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX

Rod,

That would be terrific! Thanks again!

Kevin

_________________
Kevin
'06 V278
8.1 L Volvo
"Heart's Content II"

Kevin,

Here is a shot of my antenna base and mount.


I had a look in through the access hatch, but could not see much. All around light base screws/nuts are right there, but the antenna mount is further over to the starboard side. Can't see if screws & nuts were used, or just screws. Arch is too narrow/thin to get my hand over to the antenna. I would think that if screws & nuts were used on the all around light, they would be used on the antenna as well in order to hold. I don't know how they got them in there!

Not much info for you, but hope it helps.

Rod

_________________

2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX

I checked mine also this weekend and was expecting that perhaps they install an access hatch for each component installed on the arch. Opening the existing hatch below the light does not really help with getting under the starboard side to install the hardware. Pretty interesting....I would almost want to install a metal plate and nuts and bolts inside the arch to ensure it holds the antenna nice and solid.
Thanks a bunch for your help Rod and for taking the time to check for me. I'm hoping the folks where I'll purchase the antenna might have some experience or advice on proper installations. If I find the magic solution I'll let you know
Have a good one!

_________________
Kevin
'06 V278
8.1 L Volvo
"Heart's Content II"

Guys,

My radar arch on my 2001 328 Four Winns is aluminum although you sure would think it was fibreglass by simply looking at it. When I installed my VHF antenna this spring I had to drill and tap the 4 mounting holes for my antenna in my radar arch. Only had to run the four stainless steel bolts thru the antenna mount and into the tapped holes along with using some sealant/adhesive and the mount is solid.

Just wondered if you may have an aluminum arch as well, or is it solid fibreglass?

Mike.

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Current Boat
- 2001 Four Winns 328 Vista "Hour Decision"
- 2010 310 Mercury Inflatable

Previous Boats
- 30' Doral Prestancia
- 25' Doral Citation

Double checked mine yesterday and it is definately fibreglass.

_________________

2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX

Just got back from our marina and spent a good portion of the day working on my VHF install. I did purchase a 4' access plate and cut out an access point in my arch with a 4.5" hole saw (the saw cost me about $50.00 but did a nice clean job of cutting through the arch). This was on the starbord side below the antenna platform (as seen in Guinnydog's pics). Fishing the antenna wire back down through the inside of the arch was a bit of a challenge but from the starboard side of the engine compartment I found about a 2' access point in the bottom of the arch (basically where the arch bolts on to the boat) and was able to use a 25' metal fish to pull back the antenna wire.

Something I did notice while drilling through the arch... the 4.5'" cutout (from the underside of the arch) was definitley all fiberglass. But when I drilled the 4 mounting holes for the antenna ratchet mount through the top of the arch (on the flat portion designed for anntenna placement) there were some metal shavings (perhaps aluminum) so it seems those sections of the arch are reinforced (I know that Decision had commented that his arch was aluminum). As Guinnydog just reported, the 278 arch is definitely fiberglass but it does seem that the portions designed to hold equipment on the top of the arch have added strength.

Thanks again for everyone's input and advice. Tomorrow is "hook it all up" day but so far so good!!

_________________
Kevin
'06 V278
8.1 L Volvo
"Heart's Content II"