On 2005-03-24 06:43:43 +1100, Larry W4CSC said:

"Gordon" wrote in
:
Thinking of ssb and ham for a 32' sailboat. Do the whip type antennas
make a satisfactory setup?
G

How long is your backstay? It's a far better antenna than any short
whip, especially on the lower frequency HF bands, because more of the
RF waveform fits on it than on the short whip.

However, when the 'fit really hits the shan' and the stick comes down a
backstay is really pretty useless. Thats why a separate HF antenna
independent from the rigging is a much better bet for installation on
an ocean going yacht.

PS: it is also a requirement for Ocean Racing here in Australia too.

--
Regards,
John Proctor VK3JP, VKV6789
S/V Chagall