Marine Radio antennas

Just curious what your thoughts on fishing boat antennas? I’m replacing my radio with a
Uniden UM385 25 Watt Vhf Radio. I’m thinking of replacing my antenna as the Shakespeare I have now does not draw much of a signal. My main use is getting daily lake conditions and weather forecast in Canada but I travel in 50 miles or more and my boat or I aren’t getting any younger. I still want a foldable base but I’m thinking of a stronger antenna. Any suggestions- my boat is 16′ so keep that in mind!

I wish I could help but I do know this question is commonly answered on Great Lakes angler. They have a lot of people that go many miles out on the Great Lakes and regularly recommend the better antennas.

My old Shakespeare is good for about 20 miles with a few mountains thrown in. Flat land might be a little farther. The radio is a big part of the equation. Most radios top out at about 25 watts. You can have the strongest antenna but if your radio can’t power it, you don’t have squat. Shakespeare has some good quality 8′ antennas, look for a stronger radio if they are out there.

I have a Shakespeare 8′ removable antenna, and it is really nice as I can remove it and leave it in my rod box when not in use. Mine was about $100 +$50 for the mount. They do make a higher priced 8′ removable one, that gives a slightly stronger signal, and sells for apx $275 plus mount. You cannot put these on standard mounts, and that’s about as strong of a signal as you can get.

BigPike, I’d still get an 8’er with the stainless steel ratchet mount!

My VHF is not new. Heck while I did a quick google it doesn’t pop up. Back in a day there were two Ray Marine radios out (well for most of us little boaters) Mine is a model # 5o or 60 something don’t remember. I paired it with a best of quality Shakespeare 8″ antenna with the SS ratchet base. The ole gal has performed rather well for at least 15 years but not as many as 21 years. These were purchased @ a BPS in Nashville TN. I was there to build a TGI Fridays (I think, who knows it’s been a while.lol)

One part of the mounting bracket has broken and is not any longer available to purchase. I still can get it to set on the mount tho. I keep thinking about replacing it but why?, it’s still ticking and has a booming transmit and receive.

Bigpike
FYI, VHF radios work by line of site so a 8 foot stick is going to be better than 4 ft. If you’ve ever noticed the guide boats on lake of the woods have a 8 foot stick then a 8ft antenna. When they start from the river and go out 20 + miles they can reach out and talk to base.
I run a Shakespeare quickconnect 8 ft QC-8 and a stainless steel mount QCM-S.
When not in use it can be stored in rood locker. Love it!!!
Hope this helps.
good luck!
Mark

Yes. It’s all clear now: I need an 8′ antenna that can be stored away. Thanks for the help and suggestions!

When you use a quick connect antenna like the ones that Mark and I use, consider getting a rod sock for it when in the rod box to keep them from getting damaged.

The 8 footer makes a great place to fly your distress flag if the time ever comes that you break down and need assistance as well. Now if your fellow boaters know what a distress flag looks like- that is a whole different story.

Shakespeare 5225 XT antenna.
Get the folding stainless mount. Ran one on my 17’ Lund Prosport for 12 years and now the same one has been on my 18’ Tyee for 8 years.
Use it on Superior and up on Rainy in Voyageurs park. 25 miles seems like a stretch to me but I’ve been 12 out on Superior with good signal with it.

Another thing that doesn’t get stressed enough, maximum antennae performance requires high quality connections. The difference between doing it right and half ass is huge when it comes to signal strength and clarity.