So, I'm out on the river taking the family to dinner. No problem. On the way back, we're going under the exact same bridge at the same speed as when we left. WACK! Hit the #$!!#@@ VHF antenna on the stupid bridge. Been through there dozens of times (an only an hour earlier), but the river must have been especially high when I went through.
Anyhow, I did a radio check and the antenna still seems to work (guy was 3 miles away at another marina - couldn't even see the marina though buildings / trees). On getting back to the dock, I take a closer look at the antenna and notice that the little cap thing is missing and it's banged up for about the first 4 inches or so.
Should I replace the antenna, get a new cap, or just forget the whole thing and go under the bridge slower next time???? I carry a handheld VHF as a backup, but it's nowhere near as good as the one on the boat. I just don't want to have antenna problems when / if an emergency should arise. Whattdya think?
Thanks!
~Steve
Anyhow, I did a radio check and the antenna still seems to work (guy was 3 miles away at another marina - couldn't even see the marina though buildings / trees). On getting back to the dock, I take a closer look at the antenna and notice that the little cap thing is missing and it's banged up for about the first 4 inches or so.
Should I replace the antenna, get a new cap, or just forget the whole thing and go under the bridge slower next time???? I carry a handheld VHF as a backup, but it's nowhere near as good as the one on the boat. I just don't want to have antenna problems when / if an emergency should arise. Whattdya think?
Thanks!
~Steve