Good morning all, probably good evening (late) to most.
I am messing about attempting to install a fixed VHF marine radio to my BR20 while winter comes upon us. I am hoping someone else has tried this or has some suggestions. Handheld VHF while useful for boat-to-boat comms over short distances, we sail quite a way offshore or some distance from shore-based receivers so a fixed VHF with a range of the order of 20 miles is almost mandatory.
Proving to be a bit of a problem as follows:
1. position - should be readily accessible to the helm on either tack (I usually sail solo).
Have looked a fixing it to the rear end of the centreboard case but that means moving my compass - to where? Another option is to fit it in the recess at the rear where I usually store a fender - this is only really accessible on a tack or down wind. Up front on the "bulkhead" under the mast step (or either side) good access to my present battery box but hard to get while underway.
2. aerial - should be located as high up as possible. Looking at fitting to mizzen and running cable down inside the sleeve but requires a waterproof coupling so mizzen can be removed. Possibly can be fitted to mast top but requires some modification to masthead silverware to accommodate the aerial bracket (am also fitting a bowsprit and forestay so some mods are necessary anyway). The mizzen mount option is probably the best in my opinion.
Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
We antipodeans wish you all good sailing for the northern spring and summer.
