Dual VHF Antennas

[tuglug]

Interested in comments regarding installation of a back up VHF antenna for dual VHF radios when cruising north into Canada. I have two stations in my CB RT and only a single antenna.

Thanks

 

[dbsea]

With a CW C30-CB, I'm in a similar setup. I have the primary radio at the lower helm, with the secondary handset the upper helm. Rather than a secondary full VHF and antenna, I opted for the top of the line ICOM handheld VHF, which has AIS receive and is programmed with the same MMSI as my boat's AIS. I use this with the dinghy when we are out and about, and as backup to my onboard primary VHF.

 

[SJI Sailor]

Same here -- have a handheld for backup.

Also I got a Shakespeare "emergency" external antenna that I could attach to the antenna port on the Garmin VHF (or the handheld) if ever needed. So far it has just sat in the storage bin but seems like a good long term investment at $50 or so.

 

[bluestreak]

On my R-27 classic, I had a separate 8' antenna added on the port side cabin top with another VHF Radio mounted below the cubby on the starboard side.
Biggest headache was running the coax above the headliner from the portside to the new radio so it looks factory.
Power for the radio was the easy part!

 

[Todd Tugnut]

I agree to all the above. I would add that if it’s for occasional use, many hand held radios can be fitted with an antenna adapter. Use of the adapter will really extend the range of the hand held. Not nearly as well as a 25 watt radio, but the antenna makes a big difference.

 

[tuglug]

Found this online at West Marine. Anyone familiar with using an inflatable VHF emergency antenna? I suspect range would be improved since it provides a 5 foot antenna mast. It would only be used in the remote chance the existing glass antenna is damaged...

https://www.westmarine.com/shakespeare- ... 56607.html