highhook Posted September 19, 2019 Report Share Posted September 19, 2019 I'm super impressed by the content and passion on this forum. I've been reading for months and finally signed up to start participating. I recently purchased a 2004 RF 18 and am in the process refreshing her. One thing I'd like to do is relocate the vhf antenna from the console to the poling platform to get some added height. I'm looking for mounting ideas for a 3' antenna where the antenna can be raised up or lowered straight down 180 degrees as needed. Would appreciate any suggestions for mounting hardware anyone has used to accomplish this and pics of course. The top rail on my platform is 1 1/2" OD and I've not found a ratcheting rail mount that will fit that size rail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthernWake Posted September 20, 2019 Report Share Posted September 20, 2019 How often are you using the VHF/poling the boat? I wouldn't want a 3ft antenna sticking up anywhere on my boat to get caught up in line etc. In fact I went to a handheld for this reason. If you are worried about having extra range in an emergency, buy extra wire and have tape to put the antenna at the end of your push pole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fohr Play Posted September 20, 2019 Report Share Posted September 20, 2019 I used to have both mounted to platform but wouldn't do it that way again. Here is a pic so you can see how it was mounted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE OUTLAW Posted September 20, 2019 Report Share Posted September 20, 2019 25’cable and a custom made mount for my pushpole . Put pushpole in console rod holder and it is 30’ in air . Have talked toMarco Island from west of Pavallion before . When that setup is stored , I have a 6” rubber ant mounted on my console . 🇺🇸🏴☠️ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason p Posted September 20, 2019 Report Share Posted September 20, 2019 1 hour ago, THE OUTLAW said: 25’cable and a custom made mount for my pushpole . Put pushpole in console rod holder and it is 30’ in air . Have talked toMarco Island from west of Pavallion before . When that setup is stored , I have a 6” rubber ant mounted on my console . 🇺🇸🏴☠️ This is the answer for a skiff, hands down. You can mount a fixed VHF in any compartment and plug in the antenna when needed so you have 25W of power without having to work around permanently installed antennas. Ive always done the same with pretty incredible results except my “custom mount” was two large zip ties I stored with my 36” Metz antenna in a PVC pipe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lap it Up Posted September 20, 2019 Report Share Posted September 20, 2019 Remember to unscrew the cable end at the VHF every so often and keep it lubricated. Most are pop metal and will lock with salt corrosion. It happens quick even if its mounted inside your console. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplec Posted September 20, 2019 Report Share Posted September 20, 2019 I need mine for more than just emergencies so I have it mounted under platform on a ratchet mount that I had to modify a tad. Plenty of range as is but if needed can ratchet it up for 3 more feet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoneyB Posted September 21, 2019 Report Share Posted September 21, 2019 There is a quick connect option you can store a 4 foot fiberglass in your fish box and pull it out if needed https://www.westmarine.com/buy/shakespeare--qc-4-4-quickconnect-vhf-marine-band-antenna--17052366 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flats Man Posted September 21, 2019 Report Share Posted September 21, 2019 I used stainless U bolts to attach the antenna mount to the pipe on my platform, works great. I installed a 3/4" thick starboard spacer between the mount and the vertical pipe so the antenna would clear the platform when it's up. Very secure, hasn't budged in 6 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highhook Posted September 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted September 26, 2019 Thanks all for the great ideas and pics. May just go with a handheld for now and consider a new product out by Garmin called InReach Mini retails for $350 when I start fishing more remote places. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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