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  2. [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Amel54 SSB installation

Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Amel54 SSB installation

ngtnewington Newington
 

Hi Dean, 
My 54 had a whip antenna that had broken off at deck level when I bought the boat. Since I replaced all the standing rigging anyway I included backstay isolators for the starboard mizzen backstay located above reach height from deck to which is fixed a cable that is also within a plastic tube, that connects to the tuner in the Lazarette.. There is thus zero risk of someone being burnt during SSB transmission. It is a simple, less expensive arrangement. Furthermore the antenna is 15m long between the two isolators which is the recommended length for the SSB. I prefer this arrangement to the original whip antenna.
Nick
Amelia #019 AML54

On 2 Dec 2018, at 21:09, trifin@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 

Thanks Daniel,
Interesting (and entertaining), definitely food for thought. I had not considered Joel’s third argumennt at all! For me, another point for consideration would be the cumbersome/unsightly nature of the whip (even before it degrades).

At this stage I’m still not fully convinced about which Tx antenna solution I prefer. I believe a properly sized backstay antenna (in concert with a good antenna tuner) is every bit as efficient as a whip antenna.
In the unlikely event that my rig comes down and I really need to make “that” call, my first response is more likely to be EPIRB activation followed by digging out my emergency antenna.
(Anyone know of a dismasted SM or 54?)
Long term degradation of a whip is managed easily by replacement, and the poor aesthetic is offset by the ease of installation with no requirement for a rigger.

It’s still a line ball for me right now !
Luckily I have a few more months to think about it 😜

Many thanks
Dean Gillies
SY Stella
Amel 54#154
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