Antenna broke need new one-gctid375141

[Guest]

So I went out to my boat last night and the long antenna that folds down seems to have broken completely off. I'm assuming this is the antenna for the cb radio. Anyone know where to get a new one? Or can I glue plastic together somehow?

[Guest]

Is your 2 way a VHF or CB radio? You can find an antenna almost anywhere.....

[Guest]

I don't think glue will work. More than likely will need to buy a new antenna.

First you will have to figure what radio the antenna is for. CB and VHF use different antennas.

Marine antennas run the gamut from inexpensive to very expensive. They are available from many places including mail order.

Take a look here to give you an idea of what is available: http://www.shakespeare-antennas.com/

[JimMc]

I would hope you have a Marine VHF radio.

The typical antenna is fiberglass tube around a metallic core of some kind. It took a bit of force to snap the fiberglass. This assumes you have a marine vhf antenna.

If you are replacing a Marine VHF antenna like so many things you get what you pay for. So don't go cheap.

[Guest]

I'm going to assume you don't actually have a CB radio on your boat. The VHF marine antenna is something totally different. I very highly recommend the Shakespeare 5225XT.

[Guest]

Ok so my ignorance is really showing - it would be whatever was stock for the 2855 in 1997. Sounds like everyone is saying its a VHF for the radio. I probably used the wrong terminology when I said CB. It is the real long one that is on the side of the boat lol

[JimMc]

The 5225XT is a great antenna.

[dmcb]

At one time Bayliner did install a CB radio and antenna. My 1989 2755 had one factory installed.

Never used the thing tho.

Doug

[Guest]

SwampNut wrote:
I'm going to assume you don't actually have a CB radio on your boat. The VHF marine antenna is something totally different. I very highly recommend the Shakespeare 5225XT.

+1 just installed one of these antennas with a stainless steel mount. I am very happy with it. Little more spendy, but worth it.

[Guest]

If your in a pinch take off your old antenna and bring it to a local boating store or West Marine. They should have the antenna you need in stock.

[MDR3055]

Impulse wrote:
So I went out to my boat last night and the long antenna that folds down seems to have broken completely off. I'm assuming this is the antenna for the cb radio. Anyone know where to get a new one? Or can I glue plastic together somehow?

I had my original extension(for GPS) break last year. If it was anything like mine it has a plastic ferrule that generally dries out and cracks.

Don't mean to hijack, but sort of on topic :surr

I am also now looking at replacing the antenna and was looking at the Shakespeare Phase III antennas. The model that is 8' is the 6225. How does it compare to the 5225XT(mentioned above), 5225-XP or any others. Looking obviously for the best performance.

A bit off topic- Has anyone done any sort of auxilliary speaker in the cockpit? Anytime I a mup on plane and not just putting around, you can't hear a damn thing...at all :thumb There are many times we are running out to the islands where we have friends meeting at some point along the way, so radio is the easiest way to communicate.....if you can hear them haha Any thoughts guys and gals? Adding a bit insulation to the access hatches above the engines might help a little too. Anyone done this?

[Guest]

Sounds like maybe a guy can just replace the mount. Does that make sense?

[Guest]

Has anyone done any sort of auxilliary speaker in the cockpit?

That's a pretty common thing to do. My preference though is to install a VHF that has a speaker in the microphone, then I put the mic mount up high by my ear. That really works well. On my current boat I put the mic holder on one of the bimini bars right by my head when seated at the helm. You could put a speaker around that area also. If you do a speaker, don't just stick it under the dash; put it facing towards one of your ears. I have a Garmin VHF that is very loud and clear. Expensive, but excellent.

Sounds like maybe a guy can just replace the mount. Does that make sense?

Yes, the bottom part is separate. If that's what broke, replace that. Plastic breaks far more often than stainless, of course, but stainless costs quite a bit more. You might have to remove the cable and replace the connector, depending on the type of mount.

The 5225XT is the bottom end of the quality antennas. I consider it the minimum because of the all-brass construction. You can go up from there, but the gains aren't as big as just stepping up to this model. Below this model you get cheap construction that WILL oxidize in a humid/salt environment, a plastic ferrule that breaks, etc.

[Guest]

SwampNut wrote:
Yes, the bottom part is separate. If that's what broke, replace that. Plastic breaks far more often than stainless, of course, but stainless costs quite a bit more. You might have to remove the cable and replace the connector, depending on the type of mount.

The 5225XT is the bottom end of the quality antennas. I consider it the minimum because of the all-brass construction. You can go up from there, but the gains aren't as big as just stepping up to this model. Below this model you get cheap construction that WILL oxidize in a humid/salt environment, a plastic ferrule that breaks, etc.

Thanks - I just ordered a stainless mount to see how well that works. Will look at upgrading the antenna. I did also order from shakespeare the SeaWatch® Style 2020-G Off-air TV antenna. Should broadcast HD. Have no idea on how to replace my current one though.

[JimMc]

5225 vs 6225 From the Shakespeare web site.

5225 is the mid range

6225 is there new high end

-----------------------------------------

Galaxy Style 5225-XT

8' (2.4m) VHF Marine Band 6dB

Collinear-phased 5/8-wave elements

Shakespeare's best ÔÇô maximizes range and quality in a great looking antenna. The new 5225-XT is Shakespeare's classic Galaxy┬« Style 5225 in a new, stronger, stiffer radome. It's extra tough for use on hard tops, T-tops, radar arches, or wherever its extra resistance to high winds and high speeds is welcome. 8 ft. length

• Brass and copper elements for maximum range and efficiency
• Stainless steel ferrule with standard 1in-14 thread
• 20ft RG-8/X low-loss cable plus a PL-259 connector
• Suggested mount: Shakespeare Style 4187 or 5187 (each sold separately)
• One section

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6225 8' 6dB

Hand made, advanced-technology 8ft VHF Marine antenna, foam-filled with silver-plated elements

PHASE III 6225 6dB Gain

Collinear-phased 5/8-wave elements

APPLICATION:

Built for performance and durability, this flagship Phase III antenna won't mind high speeds and high winds. Its great looks will be welcome on your boat, and so will its reliability.

MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Design:	Collinear-phased 5/8-wave elements
Height:	8'
Sections:	1
Suggested mounting:	4187-HD
Other features:	Versatile mounting sleeve for standard 1in-14 thread or mast mount High-strength fiberglass radome, foam filled High-gloss, high-performance, non-yellowing polyurethane finish

Warranty: 5 years (PDF)