TV Saucer Antenna thingy replacement

[GaylesFaerie]

Questions for the gang: I have a 2012 R27 with an antenna of some sort (TV?) on the roof behind the mast in the shape of a flying saucer about 10" across. It is literally disintegrating with the top and bottom halves totally separated and leaving bits and pieces of plastic on the roof. There is a coax connection underneath that goes thru the roof.

1. What exactly is this used for? OTA signals from a TV broadcast antenna?
2. What is called? I can't make out any product names or indication of manufacturer because it is so decayed.
3. Where might I find a proper replacement with the right specifications?
4. Do I have to replace it or is there a new and improved way of replacing its functionality.

Thanks in advance!

Gary

 

[dexmot74]

Just get rid of it and get Starlink instead and put Roku stick or something on the TV. 1000x more functionality.

 

[CaptT]

Gary,
Does it look something like this? If so it is an over-the-air antenna. As mentioned earlier, we went with a Roku device as it seems to work better at picking up weak signals in the marinas than the Firestick. When on the hook we link to our phone as a Hotspot and use it to stream our YouTube TV, Prime, etc.
https://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-3015 ... 5226&psc=1

If it looks more like this, it too is an OTA antenna, just more expensive.
https://captainsmarinesupply.com/produc ... z5EALw_wcB

Hope this helps.
Terry

 

[CaspersCruiser]

To answer your questions:

1. It is a TV antenna
2. I can’t recall the manufacturer. It was not one of the standards like Shakespeare or Glomex. Mine departed during a tow trip. Because TV reception was poor unless the boat was near a metropolitan area, I elected not to replace it.
3. Google “marine TV antenna” and a bunch will show up. Our boats were built close together. On my boat, there was nothing cosmic about how the antenna was mounted. Standard PVC plumbing parts were used as a mast and the antenna was fitted to it.
4. When mine departed, I bought a PVC cap or plug (can’t remember which was needed) and covered the mast opening from the missing antenna.

When I want to watch broadcast TV, I have two options:

1. My home marina has sufficient Wi-Fi that I can use an Amazon Firestick to view using my YouTube TV account. When I’m on a cruising trip, occasionally the marina in which I stay overnight will have decent Wi-Fi, but that is the exception. Most marina Wi-Fi is awful if there is any at all.

2.) If I’m anchored or a transient at a marina with poor or no Wi-Fi, I have a cell-enabled iPad Pro 12.9” that I use for YouTube TV. If there is not cell service, I’m SOL, but I don’t watch a lot of TV on the boat anyway.

If you have the original 19” LCD Majestic TV on your boat, making a Firestick work may be an issue.

 

[jimv]

On my 2011 R27, the antenna you are describing is a Majestic antenna, they come with the TVs that are mounted in the boats.
sorry I don't know the exact model, but check this page:https://majesticelectronics.us/30-tv-antennas

If you remove the antenna, be aware there is an amplifier in line with the antenna- if it's like my boat, the amplifier is mounted up in the 'cubbie' above the helm - the one up against the roof. You'll want to remove the amplifier as well.
It is a powered amp - not sure where the fuse/breaker is. The amp is always powered when the house switch is on.

The original Majestic TV does have a HDMI input port, and I successfully used both a Fire Stick and a Roku Streaming Stick (not at the same time) - just had to power them from an external source.

 

[GaylesFaerie]

Thanks everyone for your responses, all very informative. If its an OTA antenna, then I don't think I need it and will cap off the roof penetration. The only time I've used the TV has been at marinas where I pick up a WiFi signal with the Rogue Wave antenna that passes the signal to a Roku device in the helm upper cubby. Mine looks like the Shakespeare but is only 10" in diameter. I've never noticed the amplifier in there but will take a closer look to remove it. Thanks again everyone.