I don't have an aluminum boat, but I do think they are covering their butts with the distances they show. My 8' antenna is only 2' away from a 3' am/fm antenna and I run both at the same time with no distortion to either.
As far as keeping away from people on the boat... unless you have a hard top or rocket launcher to mount to, its going to be pretty difficult to do. You'd have to "police tape" a six foot area around it to keep people out. That's just not gonna happen.
To me, it sounds like you'll be just fine with it a couple feet in front of the starboard console. That area would probably be less prone to someone wrapping a line around your antenna too... or tangling when fighting a fish.
Like you said... people are holding cell phones to their ears every day... and don't forget the guys that have handheld vhf, how would they get 6' clearance from the "waves"?
Go for it... you'll be fine. But just in case, better update the life insurance...hehehe
Before you drill any holes in the boat, check out the location of the antenna and see if there is any interference on all channels from the fishfinder and any other noise make device on board.
Thanks Slip and Ghost. Ghost -- good idea about the shakedown. I was already going to test for interference when transmitting (from antenna feedback) prior to "drilling holes" as per the Shakespeare people's suggestion, but you raise a good point. I think I'll install the radio but wait to mount the antenna until I can get on the water and docked / moored with all devices on and running to check out all potential sources of interference. Thanks again guys!
Eric,
On my Islander aluminum boat with a ratchet mount,I put on a rubber gromet over the small end of the antenna to travel. While it is laying down it keeps it from slapping the aluminum, and the antenna is tapered so it won't slide down when raised. Works out well.
Ernie.
