Lost the plot?

[Hippohay]

I was planning to put a Lowrance 3500c chartplotter under the sprayhood, flushfitting in the instrument pod above the companionway steps - using an external antenna. But now there's an internal antenna version for the same price. Which to go for? Seems less hassle to use the internal but I'm worried about losing signal strength - tho the dealer says it won't be a problem.
Whadya all think?

 

[Talbot]

My GPS aerials are inside my wheelhouse and work fine.

 

[Robin]

Can't speak for Lowrance but we have a Navman with internal aerial in the cockpit and it is fine, we have another one with external aerial and with the aerial mounted down below and it too is fine.

 

[cpedw]

I have been using a Lowrance 3600 (integral aerial) under the sprayhood for about a month now with no problems getting satellites. When I first got it, I tried to use it at home but it struggled to find enough satellites from inside a stone building, even near the window!

Regards,
Derek.

 

[dulcibella]

I have a Garmin GPS with the aerial in the switchpanel locker (ie under the side-deck). This works just fine.

 

[duncan]

I have been using a 3500 with the external ariel sat next to the unit in the wheelhouse - this temporary arrangement is working so well I am not going to be routing the cables and mounting it up on the roof with the rest!

 

[LORDNELSON]

I was once told by an marine electronics specialist that internal ariels in GRP boats are OK until it rains when the wet deck/cabin top affects the signal reception. Has anyone experienced this phenomenon? Or was it just theory.

 

[Robin]

Why would a wet cabin top be any different to a wet plastic top on the outside aerial? Don't notice any difference.

 

[tonyleigh]

3600i in saloon. No problems whatsoever through deck and sprayhood. Initially same concern and pleased chose 3600i over 3500.

 

[Guest]

Re: Lost the plot? .... wedged behind curtain ...

When first trialing the 3500C Lowrance ... I just wedged the antenna behind the cabin curtain against the side window. Still there and works fine ... even though its on its side and looking horizontal ... if you see what I mean ....