230 series - without tower - Mount a VHF antenna - With mooring cover

[farrelltravis]

Curious if anyone who has a 230 series boat, has mounted a VHF marine radio antenna that also uses the mooring cover. I am contemplating adding a marine radio and/or a ham radio. But, I don't know where to mount the antenna so that the antenna will not interfere with the mooring cover. I have an SX, so I don't have a tower.

Any ideas and/or suggestions?

 

[Bruce]

I am mounting mine on the rear rail on the port side. It will need to be rotated flush with the boat to install the cover.

I will post pictures when I mount it next week.

 

[farrelltravis]

I am mounting mine on the rear rail on the port side. It will need to be rotated flush with the boat to install the cover.

I will post pictures when I mount it next week.

In this spot?

 

[steined]

I have a 242, but wanted to tell you I mounted mine on the starboard side just in front of the windshield so that the bow and cockpit cover are not obstructed. There is enough room to use the mooring cover as well but I had to reinforce the area that touched the antenna mount so it didn't rub a hole in the cover.

Good luck.

 

[farrelltravis]

@steined Do you happen to have a picture?

 

[steined]

@steined Do you happen to have a picture?

I'm sure I do but I'm stuck on a plane (ground stop) and it might be a while.

 

[farrelltravis]

Ok - no problem. I won't be doing this anytime soon. I am just trying to figure out whether or not it would be feasible.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Bruce]

In this spot?


View attachment 7153

Yes

 

[farrelltravis]

Ok, cool @Bruce . I am looking forward to seeing your pics! I hope your install goes well!

 

[farrelltravis]

@Bruce did you happen to get any pics of the radio install?

 

[Bruce]

@farrelltravis

I used a Shakespeare SHA-4188-S rail mount. Originally I ordered a plastic one but it never arrived so I had this one overnighted.



This is the down position



And up



This is where I mounted the Standard Horizon 1700 radio



It does not interfere with my cover.

 

[farrelltravis]

Thanks for the pics @Bruce ! Looks good.

Is having the GPS and MMSI worth it? I have been considering using a ham radio that has access to marine channels. But, I would not have the GPS and MMSI capability if I went that route. So, in your opinion, is the GPS and the MMSI nice to have or have you actually used it and benefited from it? I am certain, on the ocean, as with the trip to Bimini, if you needed that emergency button, it would have been invaluable.

 

[Bruce]

I bought the GX1700 for the automatic DSC (distress call) and built in GPS. Over 2012 and 2012 we spent three weeks in the Gulf then six days in the Atlantic this year. Even my four year old could open the cover and press the DSC button if needed.

 

[farrelltravis]

So, in other words the DSC, GPS, and MMSI features would only be used for an emergency? In other words, emergencies aside, you haven't used these features for anything else?

 

[Bruce]

The Raymarine Dragonfly on top of the dash has Gold charts and takes care of all of my need for GPS which I use frequently. Before I had it I used a phone with Navionics then a tablet with Navionics.

I have not used DSC or tracked another boat using MMSI.

 

[farrelltravis]

Ok, cool. Thanks for the intel. I have been on the fence about what radio to put in my boat. The only real time I think I might need the features of the radio you used would be the potential trip to Bimini. However, on the inland lakes I frequent, the GPS features of this radio are something that really aren't needed. I think my ham radio, with marine capability, would suffice. I would not have GPS lattitude/longitude or a automatic distress button with the ham radio. But, I don't think it is necessary on my local lakes. On the trip to Bimini, if I ever make it, would be GREAT to have it. But, I could look at different alternatives for that one trip.

Thanks again! Your install looks very nice!

 

[SoFla David]

I also have mine mounted in front of the driver side windshield with a swivel mount.

I am also a ham radio operator, but opted for a true VHF radio for the following reason:

"In an emergency, just about anyone can operate the VHF radio. Two knobs, (volume and squelch) and a simple up/down channel selector. But good luck getting a non ham to operate a ham radio and get it on the right frequency for distress calling.

Just something to think about.

David
KE4TIN

 

[farrelltravis]

I also have mine mounted in front of the driver side windshield with a swivel mount.

I am also a ham radio operator, but opted for a true VHF radio for the following reason:

"In an emergency, just about anyone can operate the VHF radio. Two knobs, (volume and squelch) and a simple up/down channel selector. But good luck getting a non ham to operate a ham radio and get it on the right frequency for distress calling.

Just something to think about.

David
KE4TIN

I agree with you David. That is something to consider.

73
W2OCM

 

[Topper232]

I removed the satellite radio antenna in front of the helm and used that same hole for my VHF antenna, plus it was a short run for the cable. Now, this did aid in finishing off the 3 year old cover that I had last summer, so I got a tennis ball, drilled a hole in it and plop that over the mount when not in use. The "new" cover just slides right over it now. I can take some better pics if needed.

 

[farrelltravis]

I don't have the satellite antenna that you have. But, I appreciate you posting the photo. Looks like it is working pretty well for you!