New VHF aerial-what to byuy

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catalac08

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My VHF signal seems not so good and erratic. It may be the connector at deck level but regardless of this the aerial is about 30 years old and has a distinct kink in it as well. As I need to drop the mast anyway for other purposes I plan to replace the aerial and then resolve any connector issues. I am not sure whether there are significant difference between aerials. So what to buy? Any advice on spec to look for, makes and sources, things to avoid and best prices etc? Thanks.
 
http://www.saltyjohn.co.uk/metzmantavhfantennaaerial.htm

I'm always a bit sceptical about something that proclaims itself to be the best in the world; and as to usage by various search and rescue organisations, that can be down to the right salesman. However, this may indeed be a good aerial though I don't have one and have never used one.
What I have just purchased ( because I needed one quick and it was to hand) is a straight replacement for the Vtronix whip that was on top of the mast. I had one on my last boat and the one I just replaced on the current ship was at least 5 years old. I replaced it because the vhf was indicating an antenna fault which on later investigation appeared to be the connector at the base of the mast. This aeria lhas been good enough for my usage.
 
The cable and connectors are just as important as the antenna itself, and probably more likely to be damaged (where "damage" includes corrosion, waterlogged dielectric, etc as well as physical breakage). If the mast is coming down, I'd suggest it's worth replacing the cable as well as the antenna.

I have a Metz Manta and am very happy with it, though in deference to afterpegassus's comments it's true that I haven't done a like-for-like comparison. The performance of the new installation is far better than anything I've had before (I routinely receive Jobourg Traffic in the Solent, which I never did in any previous boat) but as well as the aerial this will be partly down to having replaced the cable and connectors with new higher-spec stuff - see my previous paragraph.

Pete
 
prv said:
The cable and connectors are just as important as the antenna itself, and probably more likely to be damaged (where "damage" includes corrosion, waterlogged dielectric, etc as well as physical breakage). If the mast is coming down, I'd suggest it's worth replacing the cable as well as the antenna.

I have a Metz Manta and am very happy with it, though in deference to afterpegassus's comments it's true that I haven't done a like-for-like comparison. The performance of the new installation is far better than anything I've had before (I routinely receive Jobourg Traffic in the Solent, which I never did in any previous boat) but as well as the aerial this will be partly down to having replaced the cable and connectors with new higher-spec stuff - see my previous paragraph.

Pete
Click to expand...
Also considering replacing the coax this winter, any brands/specs that you can recommend ?
Sorry for o/t but the answer may be useful to the o/p
 
My wind indicator had broken and a replacement was about £28-£30.The base of my aerial was also cracked.As my mast was down I bought a new V-Tronix aerial with connectors windex and 20m of cable for under £70 and replaced the lot.Hopefully they will last many years.Many chandlers have the kit for £70-£75 pounds.Foxs have it for £69.99.
 
Totally agree with Salty John as a supplier. After I lost the full masthead instruments and aerials in the winter storms I brought a replacement from him and can now pick up Cherbourg coat guard in Weymouth Bay! Not only replace the aerial (I also had the "windex") but also the coax. If you are up the mast then you might as well do the full job
 
metz

afterpegassus said:
http://www.saltyjohn.co.uk/metzmantavhfantennaaerial.htm

I'm always a bit sceptical about something that proclaims itself to be the best in the world; and as to usage by various search and rescue organisations, that can be down to the right salesman. However, this may indeed be a good aerial though I don't have one and have never used one.
What I have just purchased ( because I needed one quick and it was to hand) is a straight replacement for the Vtronix whip that was on top of the mast. I had one on my last boat and the one I just replaced on the current ship was at least 5 years old. I replaced it because the vhf was indicating an antenna fault which on later investigation appeared to be the connector at the base of the mast. This aeria lhas been good enough for my usage.
Click to expand...

I got the metz from salty v happy with it

no probs to report

it slaved to a really old retro radio and it seems to capture everything I want

D
 
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