Tram1610-HC Pretuned VHF 3-dBd-Gain Marine Rachet-Mount 5-Foot Fiberglass Antenna with RG58 Cable and PL-259 Connector

So it's just an antenna, but it seems to be very well engineered. The base has a lock-unlock lever that allows you to raise or lower the antenna or adjust it's angle among several detented positions. When locked, the assembly does not flex much, as the base is made of rather thick plastic and the fiberglass antenna shaft is pretty light considering its size. This antenna is now installed aboard my 13' RIB. Attached to the transom, the 5' antenna is almost exactly 3' taller than the motor, so I glued my LED all-around nav light to the top of it. Now I have a retractable antenna + compliant all-around light in one (hope a manufacturer gets this idea). Reception and transmission strength is a little better than the shorty steel antenna that it replaced. I think this because the antenna is longer/taller and maybe because it can be aligned vertically regardless of the pitch of the boat while underway.

This Tram 1610-HC 5' VHF marine antenna is an excellent buy. It is well made, and the ratchet mount was easy to assemble, and it receives well. I have not tried to transmit with it as yet as there is no water activity around here as yet.

Very pleased with the bracket and the antenna. It has been fitted to my boat and been out on 3 trips so far. The bracket allows you to lower the antenna when you don't need it which is handy, especially if you store your boat in the garage. Reception seems clear so far. My only complaint would be that while the fitting on the end of the antenna that connects to your marine radio is excellent it is quite large (approx 3/4") and is molded so you would have to cut into it to separate from the coaxial cable. Therefore if you need to pass the antenna through the side of the boat to route the line you will need to make a larger hole than you may really want to (coaxial cable is on 1/4" diameter). I was lucky in that I already had an outlet that I could use. If I hadn't I guess I would have cut the fitting off and bought an after market one - although that would have been ashamed. Overall though I am very pleased.

You get the complete antenna and mount. No it's not a stainless steel ratcheting ball mount but most recreational boats don't need that quality anyway in my opinion.The instructions supplied with mine were clear and easy to follow.Along with a $90 Uniden radio this makes a nice affordable safety feature for my smaller boat when out in the bigger lakes like Powell here in AZ.I also noted that it has a soldered PL 259 connector which is much better than a crimped connector for marine use.Good deal for $40 complete.

I like the fact that I can put it down easily to the side of the boat. The installation can be tricky. As for the base, some say it didn't seem sturdy because of the plastic material, it turned out to be sturdy enough for us. I would recommend this radio antenna, not too long and not too short.

I think this item is OK for the price, but it doesn't quite satisfy my requirements.I find the plastic base to be too flexible; it hasn't broken, so it may be strong enough. However, the antenna wobbles around quite a bit, and more than I find acceptable.Also, I played with the lever locking mechanism quite a bit to try to find a position where it will solidly lock the antenna in place. This is important since I need to raise and lower the antenna frequently. However, I could never find the "sweet spot" where I could lock it firmly in place but still be able to unlock and lower the antenna using only the lever.I freely admit that I prefer virtually bomb-proof, robust, heavy duty devices, so it was my fault I didn't buy one in the first place, particularly when some reviewers mentioned this as an issue. I bought a Shakespear stainless steel mount on Amazon to replace the plastic mount.

Got this antenna quickly and was able to assemble it without too much trouble, although the assembly instructions are not included. Raising and lowering was easy and checking the SWR and power output revealed the antenna functionally is well designed.

This item arrived to me damaged and broken! It was stained a terrible color and could not be cleaned. I would not recommend this seller to anyone. I wish I could give it zero stars!!