TV antennas for boats- what works best?

C

capnruss

Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2008
Messages
5
Fluid Motion Model
C-248 C
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2506J607
Vessel Name
popeye
I have an R25 tug that I would like to add an antenna to. Does anyone have any suggestions good or bad? If you have found one that works well please let me know.
 
I installed a Shakespeare SeaWatch Style 2025 Marine TV antenna above the radar. This is the second time I have installed this unit with great results. It really pulls in weak signals and is digital HDTV ready.
Henry

http://www.shakespeare-marine.com/anten ... tenna=2025
 
I don't if this has been covered on the new website, but have you checked out the Slingbox option? If you can get an internet connection, you can watch all the TV that is available from your home TV... all cable or satellite programming. I have it and it works great. IMHO, worth checking out.

Steve
 
I have added photos of the Shakespeare antenna, amplifier switch assembly, and TV installation. To view click on my photo album.
Henry
 
I will ask our production manager up north what we are using on the R29. Will post as soon as I get a response.
 
Andrew,

We do not wire the R29 for over the air TV reception at this time. We install a Marinco cable TV inlet ( part# TV6444) next to the shore power inlet on the starboard side of the deck. All it has is a single 6' coax cable going to the V-Berth flat panel TV. An over the air antennae could be added with a simple coax one in two out T fitting added behind the TV.

This might be some help.
 
I am wondering if there are any new suggestions for receiving over the air tv reception such as here in San Diego?
The last post was 3 1/2 years ago so hopefully new developments will be helpful.

In Bellingham, at Squalicum Harbor, I picked up a couple of channels, while here in San Diego, at Kona Kai Marina, I only see a message that says "no signal."

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance 🙂
 
A friend of mine who travel alot uses slingbox. The only problem is that you control your home TV, so if someone is home you have to agree on what show to watch. Other than that he said it works great.
 
Anne: Have you considered the Apple TV device. All it needs is a Wi-Fi connection and you can then stream in video content from say Netflix (you would need a Netflix account at around $9/month). If you have a Mac or PC with Wi-Fi and running iTunes you can also access the iTunes content on the Mac or PC.

Is your current TV antenna located inside or outside of the cabin ? If inside, then try setting it up outside and move it around to see if the TV reception improves.
 
Sorry, I am not sure of where the antenna is. I think it might be in the smokestack, but perhaps not...I need help to answer that question...
 
BaseCampAnne":zo0yg5w5 said:
Sorry, I am not sure of where the antenna is. I think it might be in the smokestack, but perhaps not...I need help to answer that question...
Click to expand...

Anne: If factory installed the antenna then suggest you ask Andrew or Kenny.
 
BaseCampAnne":1updps4s said:
I am wondering if there are any new suggestions for receiving over the air tv reception such as here in San Diego?
The last post was 3 1/2 years ago so hopefully new developments will be helpful.

In Bellingham, at Squalicum Harbor, I picked up a couple of channels, while here in San Diego, at Kona Kai Marina, I only see a message that says "no signal."

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance 🙂
Click to expand...

Hi Anne - each time your boat arrives at a new location you have to search for new channel signals. This is a simple, automatic process. It takes a few minutes. Use your remote to go into the TV menu. I'm not at my boat so I can't give you exact directions. The icons and names are fairly intuitive. If you have the manual which came with the TV (in the tote bag full of documentation) it will probably help.

Cheers,

Bruce
 
Bruce: When I discussed TVs with Anne at Bremerton I don't believe she had a TV on board. She was anxious to know what had to be done to setup a TV and get reception etc. I had suggested if she were to by a TV (12v or 110v model) then simply attach an antenna and pickup local channels. So, I'm a little confused about Anne not knowing where her TV antenna is. Maybe she has had TV installed by a professional (Ranger or someone else... dunno). Anne ?????

The suggestion for re-searching for receivable channels is a good one as that may be the only problem Anne has. Good thinking. 🙂
 
Thanks, Bruce, and others,

I decided to get the factory tv and installation after the Bremerton gathering. I took my boat to Bellingham and the fine Cutwater team there, led by Herve Burnel, installed the tv per Ranger standards. I do not believe I received a manual. Immediately after returning to Anacortes on the boat I left the boat for home to pack up the house, arrange for some repairs and be out in time for closing Oct. 19th. At the same time, Cory, one of the Ranger drivers who moves boats, trucked Cascadia to San Diego.

A few minutes ago Andrew called and walked my through what you explained, Bruce, and I am happy to report the tv is now broadcasting multiple stations, some in English and some in Spanish, and I do not have to subscribe to cable! in addition I will now be able to play DVD's.

Life is beautiful in San Diego!
 
Anne: Thanks for the update to your boat's TV installation, and I'm pleased Bruce's advice worked for you. Now all you need do is to learn morse code for when you watch the PBS/Morse episodes... that's useful for obtaining the hidden clues as the plot unfolds... 😉

Could you take some pics of the Ranger/Cutwater TV installation on your R25SC and post them here or send them my way as I'm curious as to where and how they mounted the TV etc.

So pleased life is good for you in San Diego. After spending months down there you might find it difficult returning to the PNW. :roll:
 
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