RG-8 to the masthead is pretty much a standard rig for masthead antennas and
if the connectors are well done the signal loss is acceptable. The benefit
of the additional height far and away overrides any signal loss. Try to make
the antenna cable in a single run from the masthead to the back of the
radio - no through-deck connectors.

If you don't want to run cable of that diameter, don't try for the masthead
because the loss in the smaller cable over a run of that length would be
pretty bad.

Tom Dacon

" Mika" wrote in message
...

Need to install a new VHF antenna to a sailboat. Masthead would give
max antenna height, but drawback would be longer cable and extra
connectors. Have some experience about cable and connector losses
being a ham radio operator, and therefore give serious thought to
putting the antenna to top a a short pole on deck. Shorter cable, no
need for extra connectors as this would be permanent installation.
Plus much easier to install.

Lower antenna height (some 3-4 meters instead of 14m in masthead
installations) will of course reduce range, but would it stll be ok
for costal waters. In my home waters some 20 NM range is quit enough
to contact coastguard or SAR if needed.

Mika