Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | As in the 3' whip antennas? I do. I've talked to CG units on the Detroit River while I was in Anchor Bay (via repeaters) and now I talk all over the place with that same antenna here in the waters around Kodiak.
The big fiberglass antennas are meant for...well...big boats. They really shine when you can mount them on a flying bridge 10-15' above the water and actually get that signal out line of sight. Mounted next to your steering wheel on your 620 or Alumacraft, I just don't see an advantage and they're in the way. But yes, an 8' antenna "can" transmit further than a 3' antenna. But there's more to it than your antenna. It's the power of your radio and line of sight as well. So while I'm sure some guy can say, "this one time, I was able to transmit further with my 8' pole than my buddy with his 3' whip..." or "he could hear me, but I couldn't hear him..." I've never thought to myself, "I need a bigger antenna." And that's fishing LSC and Gulf of Alaska. |
