VHF Marine Radio Antennas

[marty f]

Looking to get a VHF radio, but I was wondering about the antennas, Im supposing the bigger fiberglass ones are better then the thin wire whip antennas, for I see more of those on boats

what do you know about the two?

[wishin i was fishin]

the bigger fiberglass whips have more gain than the whip antenna depending on the model. The whip is a 3dB gain antenna.

gain is explained like this: for every 3dB you double your radiated power.
so...
25 watts X 3 dB gain antenna = 50 watts radiated power.
25 watts X 6 dB gain antenna = 75 watts radiated power.

you do want to go with the highest gain practical for your application but gain only helps on the Tx side.

fiberglass is not flexible, no biggie inshore and offshore. but if you fish around any trees they will break

It also depends on where you will be mounting it in your boat. I went with the whip antenna on a ratchet mount that clamps on my handrail. tucks out of the way and doesn't interfere with casting.

[marty f]

Thank you very much!!

[Dranrab]

The performance of an antenna is also largely dependent upon how well the connection is built.

[wishin i was fishin]

Originally Posted by Dranrab

The performance of an antenna is also largely dependent upon how well the connection is built.

Definitely! All connectors need to be 100% or it doesn't work.