Handheld VHF antenna extension

This year I've come to understand just how sensitive our VHF's are to the height of the antenna off the water.  The difference between the radio laying on your hatch for example vs being held overhead is night and day for both reception and transmit.   This has led to me repositioning my vhf as high as possible on my pfd. I'm also wondering if anyone has tried one of those antenna extensions that give you about 24"?  It's all line of site based, so every little bit helps.

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I tried different antennas for my programmable radio. Longer and better quality antennas do improve the send/receive quality, but not by that much if you ask me.

If you're into longer antennas, you might wanna take a look at this on amazon... https://tinyurl.com/3cu8jkn9

I have the same setup    But not on my VHF.  If I do need to talk to someone, I usually remove it from my pfd and hold it in my hand.

I have the same setup    But not on my VHF.  If I do need to talk to someone, I usually remove it from my pfd and hold it in my hand.

Lol, that's what I've been doing too, and it makes a huge difference.   After having boats for 20 years with antennas 10 to 30 feet tall that just seems kinda silly!

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I tried different antennas for my programmable radio. Longer and better quality antennas do improve the send/receive quality, but not by that much if you ask me.

If you're into longer antennas, you might wanna take a look at this on amazon... https://tinyurl.com/3cu8jkn9

Is that extension for a marine vhf, or a ham radio?  I don't believe they have the same base plugs.

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Is that extension for a marine vhf, or a ham radio?  I don't believe they have the same base plugs.

I don't know which radio you have, but if you know the plug type of your antenna, you can do a search to see if they make one for your plug type. I know most antennas have different versions for different plug types. I confirm that the antenna does cover the vhf bands because I bought it and tried it. I returned it because I didn't find much improvement over my 18" Nagoya. And it makes me look like a clown having 42" sticking out of my ears

Edit: The picture I posted has a Nagoya 18", which also support the vhf band. The one on the Amazon link is a different antenna that is extremely long for a handheld. I thought if you're looking for a long antenna, I don't think you can find a longer one for handheld. They also have shorter versions.

I'll try the Nagoya 18.  Thanks!

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I’m bummed, I was driving on the freeway today and heard a thump.  I looked in my rear view to witness my hx40 tumbling on to the freeway, 3rd lane right side.  I recall putting it on my bumper not 1 hr. before.  It made it all the way to work but not home.  I’ve decided not to play freeway traffic chicken for a radio…

Dang what a bummer Eddie. Maybe there will be some sale on a new one for labor day.

Dang what a bummer Eddie. Maybe there will be some sale on a new one for labor day.

Thanks Jason, what’s the name of the radio that people like that begins with a “C”?  Found it, Icom?

Yeah ICOM 

Just spit-balling here, bear with me.

I would be all about a standard VHF radio, mounted in place in my kayak, with a real antenna. Could probably mount it to a section of track rail, or maybe to a dash board of sorts, or even flush mount the radio so just the face is exposed.  Could also wire it up to run on the same battery as a fish finder, and use the antenna to hold a vis flag.

Only downside is if you capsize - would still be a good idea to carry a handheld to call for help if you got separated from the kayak.

I just carry two VHF's if I'm concerned about it.  HX40 is good and small.   But for my trailer I'm thinking of adding a external magmount antenna for my baofang radio to hear all the chatter when on land. 

Dang what a bummer Eddie. Maybe there will be some sale on a new one for labor day.

Thanks Jason, what’s the name of the radio that people like that begins with a “C”?  Found it, Icom?

Damn that sucks bro! Always hate to spend $ on replacing stuff. Definitely not worth playing real life frogger lol. I have the Icom M73 for a little over a year now and really like it. I almost got the Icom m94 but I didn’t think I needed all the bells and whistles that it came with. You can’t got wrong with either one. 

Dang what a bummer Eddie. Maybe there will be some sale on a new one for labor day.

Thanks Jason, what’s the name of the radio that people like that begins with a “C”?  Found it, Icom?

Damn that sucks bro! Always hate to spend $ on replacing stuff. Definitely not worth playing real life frogger lol. I have the Icom M73 for a little over a year now and really like it. I almost got the Icom m94 but I didn’t think I needed all the bells and whistles that it came with. You can’t got wrong with either one.

Yes sir, thanks Dan, hope you’re well.  Done with the threddiejack John, geet dem fishees!