Time to replace 38 YO VHF Antenna - - - w/photos

[RWS]

It's time to upgrade the 38 year old fiberglass VHF antenna on my express cruiser

The shield to the coax is now exposed, and this shabby looking antenna was spray painted 10 years or so ago due to the effects of the Florida sun.

It is likely very brittle now.

Upgraded VHF to a Standard Horizon ECLIPSE 25 watt DSC in 2019

The boat is 33' with a 13' beam, so she's relatively stable, compared to vessels of a narrower beam

If this was a new install, I'd mount it on the radar arch, but for simplicity's sake, will keep the current swivel mount, located less than 3' from the VHF unit.

Current antenna is 8'

I can easily go to 10' but am unable to find that size

I haven't messed with an antenna like this since the old CB radio days.

Cosmetics aside, the current swivel bracket works well. Any reason to change/upgrade it?

Ideally would get something that would fit existing bracket

Hope to do a run to Key West this summer, and need to upgrade and test a new antenna now.

I will likely protect the exposed new coax with some heat shrink of something to keep the sheath from degrading in the daily Florida sun bake.

Looking for practical suggestions for the bracket, attachment comments and a 10' antenna that will provide the best overall performance without breaking the bank

Photos of existing setup follow.

BEST !

RWS

 

[Roy]

If your current antenna mount still works then certainly you can use it on a new antenna. That's one of the few things in the recreational marine industry that hasn't changed over the years.

 

[GeeBee]

You did not get full use out of that antenna, I would take it back.

 

[RWS]

I'll call Trojan in Lancaster PA and see if it's covered under the warranty for my 38 YO boat

 

[Gregory S]

Planned obsolescence!