VHF Antenna Lifetime?

[Albiebac]

Anyone have some hard facts on how long to expect an antenna (5225-XT) to last? Mine seem like they did much better when new (15 years ago). They still work, but not like I remember.

 

[Mike_I]

Back in the days of me being employed I worked on many radio systems and found that any antenna will last until it physically breaks, all a marine antenna is is a piece of wire inside a fiberglass tube. One thing that can happen is the pl 259 connector that plugs into your radio turns green with corrosion. What do you mean your antenna "did much better"?

 

[mahi]

It depends if you are on Trailer and are bouncing along the freeway at 70 MPH.

 

[brokeass boater]

It depends if you are on Trailer and are bouncing along the freeway at 70 MPH.

yea holding it secure when trailering will help a antenna from being beaten up from bouncing. I made this out of Starboard, the catch turns to release the antenna. I have the stand bolted to the top of the pilothouse inline with the antenna when folded down,,,gregg

 

[mahi]

Great idea. Home built- even better

 

[Johnlgarrison]

Mine have always lasted till the day I forgot to put it down and smacked a tree with it on the way home.

Smart Ass answer but true

I have bought about ten antennas in my lifetime becuase of this. I blame the hot sun, beer, and fatigue not stupidity on most of these purchases

 

[Albiebac]

Back in the days of me being employed I worked on many radio systems and found that any antenna will last until it physically breaks, all a marine antenna is is a piece of wire inside a fiberglass tube. One thing that can happen is the pl 259 connector that plugs into your radio turns green with corrosion. What do you mean your antenna "did much better"?

So, admittedly life has gotten in my way and I only took the boat out twice last year, but when I tried to make radio contact, it was sketchy at best. Not many come backs. I can't say if this is a sign of the times with people just not communicating out on the water, preferring to just talk $hit on the radio instead. Plus, receiving didn't seem as good either. Could have been a bad transmission day. I'll check the connections. I do have two radios and antennas, so I was thinking the integrity of the antennas was fading.