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=0https://www.dropbox.com/s/nbd50bxixvnav ... g.jpg?dl=0I 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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