T&T: SSB Whip Antenna Lengths

[Chuck and Susan]

Frank, We always recommend at least a 23 foot whip. I don't have experience
with the Digital but I am always skeptical of manufacturers claims until I
hear more than a few real world reports. The Commander is a nice antenna, but
as you have seen the Shakespeare is also a good unit and you have 15 years on
yours. It is the antenna we install with most SSB's and to date have had no
complaints.  Chuck

To follow our adventures, go to

http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/

http://sea-trek.blogspot.com/

--- On Mon, 6/1/09, Frank Osborne <n4637fjo at gmail.com> wrote:
 

I have 15 year old Shakespeare 21' VHF & SSB antennas on my boat and the VHF
antenna has cracked and both are getting fuzzy so I want to replace them both
but I'm unsure on the best length for the SSB antenna. SSB whip antennas come
lengths from 16' to 24'. From what I've read the shorter lengths lose strength
in the 4 to 8 MHz frequencies. Digital brand antennas state that their 16' SSB
antenna 'electrically emulates a 24 SSB antenna and tunes to the entire HF
band'. Can that be done successfully and is that as good as a real 24'
antenna? Is bigger really better?

One antenna brand that has good specs is Commander Technologies. Anyone have
any experience with them?
I'm cruising in the Sea of Cortes and I use the SSB daily for weather,
communications, and email (SailMail) so I want a good setup and the prices
between brands and lengths are not that great.

Any comments or real life experiences are appreciated.

-- Frank Osborne