Installing a fixed-mount VHF

[Thunderbolt]

For those who have installed a fixed-mount VHF radio in your PWC, and are using a stainless-steel half-wave antenna, I see that most of you have mounted your antenna up front. When I last mounted a VHF antenna on an ATV (a Larson NMO half-wave, if you were wondering), the whip was wildly "whipping" as I travelled over semi-rough terrain, and was even striking my helmet on occasion. I replaced it with a quarter-wave after one ride. So I was wondering, have you had any issues with your whip getting thrown back and forth and causing a safety issue? It's all fun and games until somebody loses an eye. lol

The antenna I was thinking of using is the Shakespeare 5241-R (heavy-duty whip). I was thinking that the HD whip would be physically thicker, which should reduce the tendancy to "whip", with the added bonus of providing a wider bandwidth.

Also, if anyone has photos of a fixed-mount VHF mounted in a Sea-Doo GTX Limited, I'd appreciate seeing them, along with photos of your antenna mount, and any comments about why it works well, or what you'd do differently next time. I've seen the photos that have already been posted.

The radio I'm considering is the Standard-Horizon GX-1700B, which seems to have the right balance of size, features, price, and local availability.

Oh, I'm also curious about how you mounted the microphone.

[giguchan]

I am curious to see some of the installs. I carry a portable. it seems to get the job done when I need it. I have not heard of too many people actually mounting a VHF on their ski. Good luck with the install.

[83Gator]

Might want to check out Jetski Brian in the PWC Fishing section; he's got it all...

[giguchan]

Dude,
I stand corrected.... Brian has more than everything... I've seen guys go out in fishing boats with less gear! he's out of control!! all of a sudden the question about installing ONE VHF aint so far fetched. I wish I could help . if this were a truck it might be a different story. That I know about.