Question: VHF Installation??

[ste6168]

Hello there. I just bought a new, to me, boat back in December of last year. It was never equipeed with a VHF, and does not have one now. I am interested in installing one, but to be honest, I am unsure what all goes into the installation...

In my high school years ('04 graduate) I installed MANY car audio systems, teach technology educations, and am fairly mechanical. I have absolutely no reserves on doing this install myself, I just need to know what all I need to purchase/use in the insulation.

Basically:
-What is a decent VHF (will more than likely never be used outside of northern ches bay)
-What else do I need to purchase (Antenna, Antenna Mount, etc.)? or do some/all VHF's come with an internal antenna likea portable?
-Anything else I would need? (besides the obvious like wiring, fuses, shrink wrap, solder, etc.)

Thanks, Mike



Another Afterthough Edit- Any ideas on where I could mount my antenna on a small walkaround w/out a hardtop?

[carjunkie]

If you're staying in the Bay you may just want to get a hand held with internal GPS and DSC capabilities. Other than hand helds you will need to purchase an antenna. They are stainless whip or fiberglass, either will work fine but if you have mounting issues you might want a short stainless whip style. There are deck mount and rail mount antenna brackets and many of them are ratchet style to fold down while on the trailer or covered. Check out BOE Marine, they are off RT50 near the Bay Bridge and they are good people. Digital makes a nice antenna and their cables come with a smaller connector and an adapter piece. It's coax and you don't want to cut it unless you're experienced with terminating and have the right tools, this ain't cable TV and you will screw up if you're not experienced. The typical connection is a little large and the smaller connector on the Digital (It's a brand name not a communication scheme, no such thing as a digital antenna, it's all analog in this realm) will allow you to drill a smaller hole to get inside your console or walk-in. Do some research but generally there are cheaper and better quality with each brand. Height is the name of the game and watts are important but not as much as line of sight. On the bay you should be fine with a short antenna and it will be easier to stow or fold. Just be sure to register and get an MMSI number, it's free from Boat US, and either connect to a GPS or buy the hand held with it built in. Most radios can be surface mounted on a bracket or flush mounted with a kit. That's just an overview, good luck.

[carjunkie]

When I did my install I used a hole saw, jig saw with fine toothed blade, hacksaw blade and a small arbor on a drill driver with a small abrasive cutoff wheel. The cut off wheel worked great and was used to adjust the holes and trim pieces etc. Don't breath the fiberglass dust, wear a mask and be ready for it to get everywhere so clean out the area around and behind your work. Look for wires and such before your drill or cut. Make a template to lay it out on your dash and measure multiple times before you cut. Use painters tape to protect the surounding area while you work. Be sure to fuse the power lead but I think you probably know that from doing installs on cars. Read the instructions on the antenna and radio, too close to some items will cause interference with the radio or the other item like GPS and compass.

[cwhite331]

Nice work carjunkie!

It would be very useful if you could describe the boat you currently own. Center console, walkaround, t-top, bimini, dash space available? If you are looking to do a fixed mount VHF, do it! You will get a transmission distance 5x that of a handheld if you can accomodate an 8' antenna. Secondly, I would avoid any plastic mounts, they deteriorate over the years and will not last (unless you go with a small stainless steel whip antenna) There are other small pieces that will make your installation turn out clean. Use a cable outlet like this when running the antenna wire from the mounted area into the gunwale/console/t-top tubing (http://www.amazon.com/Whitecap-Outlet-Cable-Brs-S-717C/dp/B002JQ9NXI), and use a clamshell vent when running the power/data/antenna wiring out to the VHF if bracket mounting (http://www.amazon.com/Whitecap-S-1388C-Stainless-Steel-Shell/dp/B001R5PFZC). I would also recommend installing the supplied PL-259 antenna connector (solder on style) and avoid the crip on shakespeare gold connectors as I have experienced issues with this connector not functioning properly.

Wiring can be fairly straightforward. Red/Black will connect to a switch or distribution block behind the console. Be aware that your vhf power cable will have a fuse included in the cable run. I usually remove this if connecting power to a fused distribution block to reduce the number of possible faults (will help in troubleshooting in the future if necessary). If the VHF is new you can interface this to an on-board GPS unit via NMEA0183 or NMEA2000 to relay your position to the coast guard or other boats instantly.

If you have a t-top on the boat it is best to get the HEAVY DUTY mount 4187-HD and use 1/4-20 oval head machine screws and tap the upper support of the t-top leg to mount the vhf. This will allow the vhf antenna to be away from the fishing area and provide a clean look. The heavy duty mount is advised for boats using an 8' antenna. I have seen the standard mounts break!

Give me a shout if you have any questions....

Craig White
Chesapeake Installers LLC
410.570.7355