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Posts: 3504
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hi Everyone,
Looking for options on where those of you have mounted your VHF antennna on these particular rigs. Currently looking at a 617 dual console, and may consider mounting the radio flush mount on the port side console, then a 4' antenna on the starboard side. The boat in consideration has a stereo radio mounted on the starboard side.
If your boat is accessible, can you shoot a couple of pictures of your mounting locations? Thanks much!!
Steve |
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | My top cap differs from a standard 600 hull, but the gunwale profile is similar if not the same, so this may help. This is very old pic, but my antenna is in the same spot today; over on the stbd stern just forward of the splashwell, next to the gunwale flare, there's a flat spot that you I can access pretty easily from underneath. I have a 3' whip, and it folds down easily for a second angler in the back. And it'll talk to CG Detroit down in the city, from up in the North Channel, and I can hear Sarnia radio up on Lake Huron from dang near the south end of the lake....so coverage is good.
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 Stern .jpg (40KB - 609 downloads)
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Posts: 3504
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya,
I wondered about laying it down along the back behind the fishing deck, but on the splashwell side of things to keep it from getting kicked or tripped on. I like that idea as it is out of the way unless in use, and it would most likely be on the back side of the person fishing in the rear...
I'm also curious to hear from others about where they mounted their actual head unit. The boat I'm considering has a stereo installed flush on the console, but there is a nice big open area above the gauge cluster...was wondering if anyone has put one in that location, or has put one on the port side console if you own a double bubble or full windshield.
Thanks!!
Edited by VMS 1/19/2018 7:22 AM
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | My fishing partners usually fold it into the boat, instead of aft "out" of the boat. In the boat folded down it's out of the way. Back, it'd be hanging over the stern a bit and maybe get in the way of a line or net in the water.
I mounted my head unit vertically on it's bracket on the vertical face of my center console. You don't need to mess with it like you do a GPS or sonar. I think a lot of guys put their head units front and center for ease of access, but you don't access it often. Look at where truck drivers put theirs...up on the ceiling of their cabs. |
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Posts: 253
| I bought a rail mount and have it on the starboard side. I have the 4 ft. fiberglass antenna and fold it to the back when not in use. I went with the stainless steel bracket.
Steve |
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Posts: 3504
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | esoxfly - 1/23/2018 8:46 PM
My fishing partners usually fold it into the boat, instead of aft "out" of the boat. In the boat folded down it's out of the way. Back, it'd be hanging over the stern a bit and maybe get in the way of a line or net in the water.
I mounted my head unit vertically on it's bracket on the vertical face of my center console. You don't need to mess with it like you do a GPS or sonar. I think a lot of guys put their head units front and center for ease of access, but you don't access it often. Look at where truck drivers put theirs...up on the ceiling of their cabs.
I was thinking of putting the antenna at the back and have it fold from starboard to port behind the deck, but I don't think that is going to be a viable option....gotta see if it is possible, though. That way it would be out of the way of everything, and hopefully not get in the way of a raised outboard at all as well...
I don't have side rails on the rig, so if the rear does not work, I would mount it level to the gunnel or just a tad below, and hope it does not interfere with a back lid (battery and charger storage). I fish off port side almost exclusively for comfort purposes. The antenna will be a 4' galaxy which is a really nice antenna. Gives me a good reach on some decent sized lakes, with the ability to contact someone if I need to for emergency. Weather radio is what I really like overall...
For mounting the radio, I have a feeling it will be on the underside of the main console, mounted vertically like you mention you have yours. I don't have the boat in hand yet, otherwise I could easily figure it out for what I want to do...
Thanks much!! |
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Posts: 241
| I don't want to highjack this thread...but how do you use your VHF for calling other boats. On the Great Lakes, Chn. 16 is the hailing channel, then you have to transfer to a working channel.
What are the guidelines for inland lakes and Canada ?
Backdraft |
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Posts: 3504
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | http://www.offshoreblue.com/communications/radio-rules.php |
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Posts: 232
| VHF radios were at one time used frequently on LOTW. However in resent years, few people monitor their radios. They still can be useful in keeping in touch with a group of friends to check out the bite. However, they are not much use in reaching out for help beyond your group because there are not many who have a radio in use. I guess a VHF is better than nothing, but I would not count on it bringing help.
Edited by Abu7000 2/6/2018 11:13 AM
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