VHF Antennas

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Was out looking for a VHF antenna with the specific requirements of it being high quality, 1/2 wave in design, a low SWR and with the ability to either be tilted up/down or even removed easily.

I had a troll through some forums and noted that one antenna kept being mentioned over and over again, notably the Metz Manta which is a 0.87m stainless steel whip with an SWR of 1.2:1 and a 1/2 wavelength design used exclusively by the US Coastguard SAR vessels and UK SAR as well. However it's design is specifically aimed at masthead type installations, although you can buy a C bracket or rail mount bracket. The C bracket would be used to mount to all regular 1 inch folding antenna mounts but I thought it looked a bit bulky. Rail bracket might be good for some and certainly if you are looking for a high performance VHF antenna, the Metz should be high on your list if you can accommodate it's mounting design.

This took me on to the second antenna that came highly recommended, notably the Pacific Aerials Sea Master Pro range. The P6182 is a 1.0m, 1/2 wave that has an exclusive feature of being totally removable as the wiring and plugs are built into the base mount. They offer various quick disconnect bases that are tilting, rail mount, deck flush and deck surface , so should be accommodate most people's needs. The ability to remove your antenna facilities towing on the road, storage in a garage and even removing the advert of 'Hey I have a VHF installed on my boat', for those who don't like the somewhat bulky tilt able mount, but still have clearance issues.

All SeaMaster Pro mounts come with 5m of pre-terminated VHF cable and a fastfit plug that means you don't need to pass a bulk PL259 connector through the cable entry hole. Various antenna's are available in the range, including a shorter 450mm model, a 1.8m and a 2.5m (all half wave designs)

I've settled on the Pacific SeaMaster Pro 1m as I prefer the mount style and ability to unscrew the antenna and will let you know how I get on. As I couldn't find Pacific locally I bought mine off ebay from a seller in the Netherlands whom I can highly recommend http://stores.ebay.com/trade319

I've attached an article from the UK importer of Metz antenna's that makes for interesting reading.