What size VHF antenna do I need for my boat?

A 3- to 4-foot antenna that’s 3 dB is generally recommended for boats under 24 feet. Larger vessels can opt for 12- to 18-foot, 7 to 8 dB antennas. “As a general rule, antenna height should be less than half the length of the boat,” Catoe says.

Where are Shakespeare antennas made?

Columbia, SC
The company quickly expanded to manufacture fishing line, fiberglass fishing rods, and antennas, opening a factory in Columbia, SC in 1946. Today, Shakespeare is regarded as a leading global antenna brand serving both military and civilian maritime customers.

How do I increase my VHF range?

The range of your VHF radio can be extended by elevating your antenna, increasing the quality of contact.

Is a long antenna better than a short antenna?

Theoretically, a longer antenna will have a greater range, but it is far more important for optimal radio performance that the length of the antenna matches the frequency. With a handheld two-way radio, in many cases it is not even possible to remove the antenna.

How far apart do VHF antennas need to be?

The easy answer is that you should maintain a minimum mounting distance of at least 1/4 wavelength apart for the lowest frequency antenna within the same horizontal plane. For VHF antennas, that translates to roughly 19 inches. This is the rule we use when installing omni antennas on a the trunk of a vehicle.

Can VHF talk to CB?

CB or its close relatives fall into the HF frequency range (covering somewhere around 26 to 28 MHz, depending on country), so anything that accurately calls itself a VHF radio will not transmit (and most likely will not receive) CB.

What channel should I have my marine radio on?

The VHF channel to use for marine distress is channel 16. A VHF Operator Certificate is required to operate a VHF in anything other than an emergency.

What is inside a VHF antenna?

There inner electrical element (the part that radiates and receives signals) of VHF antennas is generally made of one of three types of materials: coaxial cable, copper or brass. While all provide acceptable performance, better antennas use brass or copper for optimum performance and durability.