Antenna Mounts, Cable, Hardware, and Accessories

Antenna Mounts, Cables, Hardware, and Accessories Resources and Information

Whether you’re installing a VHF radio, a CB radio, a GPS navigation system, or a stereo system, the proper equipment is essential. That’s why PartsVu stocks an extensive selection of antenna mounts, cables, hardware, and accessories to match your system’s exact specifications. Browse products from leading brands, like Shakespeare, Glomex Marine Antennas, Pacific Aerials, Sea-Dog, Ancor, Comrod, and more.

Complete your purchase with a VHF radio from our VHF radio and hailer selection. If you’re looking for more boat products, choose from our full selection of boat products and accessories, electronics and navigation. 

Antenna Mounts, Cables, Hardware, and Accessories FAQs

Do I really need a VHF radio?

The short answer is, yes, you most definitely need a VHF radio or 2-way radio particularly if you boat any significant distance from the shore. But, why? If you get into trouble you can simply call the authorities on your cell phone, right? Well…maybe and maybe is not the answer you want in an emergency. The following are the reasons you need a VHF radio on your boat in addition to your cell phone.

Imagine that you find yourself in an emergency situation and you are offshore and away from cell towers. Or maybe you are not that far offshore, but the day is very overcast and your phone is having difficulty obtaining reception. You need to contact the authorities or other support and you look down at your phone and see no or maybe only one of those coveted bars. With VHF radios you never have to worry about losing service. While cell phones rely on cell reception, data, and wifi, two-way radios are a self-contained communications network. This means that if for whatever reason cell phones aren’t working, your two-way radio is there at the ready.

Certain two-way radios are built to withstand very harsh environmental conditions. Rain, sand, extreme cold do nothing to stand in the way of these rugged radios as many two-way radio models are waterproof and sand-proof. Some can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, in a depth of three feet, and still be functional.

Multiple people can be dispatched at one time reducing the need to call people individually. In addition, everyone involved in an emergency situation can communicate instantly assuring help is on the way as quickly as possible and all involved can stay in touch in the meantime.

Fixed VHF radios are powered by the boat’s electrical system. However, handheld 2-way radios generally have longer battery lives than your cell phone and serve as great backup communication devices.

What is the typical range of a VHF radio?

With the right technology in place, a two-way radio’s coverage can be extended across a very wide distance – 30+ miles. Obstacles in a radio’s line of sight will block or diminish its signal, but more powerful antennas can substantially extend this distance.

Can VHF radios communicate with telephones? 

Many two-way radios have what’s called a telephony feature, which allows for communication between the radio and a landline, or cell phone. This is possible because radio base repeater stations can be connected to telephone networks. Telephony functions are very helpful if there might be a need to communicate with people who don’t have a two-way radio. This said, emergency and rescue organizations are very used to communicating with two-way radios.

What are some of the most popular marine GPS units?

The Humminbird HELIX 5 Chirp DI GPS G2 is a five-inch, color screen GPS unit features high sensitivity down-imaging sonar, giving you a fish-eye’s view of everything that’s happening under your boat.

With a max depth of 600 feet below your boat, you’ll be able to make the most of your fishing trip. The HELIX 5 CHIRP DI GPS G2 has a range of features, including SmartStrike– a feature that takes you straight to the action by showing you where the fish are biting at any given moment. The patent pending AutoChart Live allows you to create digital, detailed maps live and on the water, or enhance existing maps in the system. Illuminated by its high definition display, your maps will look better than ever. 

These features are practically unbeatable at this price point, making the Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP DI GPS G2 a great choice for any angler.

The Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI Fishfinder/GPS Combo G3N features a larger 7” display and many of the features you’d expect from Humminbird: MEGA Side Imaging, providing crystal-clear viewing out to 125 feet on either side of your boat; Dual Spectrum CHIRP; SwitchFire Sonar, which allows the user to add or remove detail, account for water depth, temperature, turbulence, and more; Bluetooth capabilities; and more. 

One of the benefits of a larger, ultra-wide display screen is the option to choose between pre-loaded split screen options. The 480×800 screen provides a fantastic display, so you can use the Humminbird Basemaps with spectacular clarity.

When it comes to robust features and popularity amongst the PartsVu community, the SOLIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI Fishfinder/GPS Combo G2 has both. Its features build on those of the previously mentioned HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS, including more powerful MEGA Side Imaging up to 200 feet. 

Some of the added notable features include Cross Touch Interface, which allows you to control your fish finder using the touchscreen or the keypad. Cross Touch lets you quickly and intuitively access technologies on your terms, no matter your situation and conditions. With added NMEA 2000® Networking capabilities, the SOLIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI Fishfinder/GPS Combo G2 is practical, easy to use, and fully designed with the user in mind. While the price is steeper than some may prefer, it’s well worth every penny.

What are some of the most popular boat stereos?

The Fusion MS-RA55 stereo is one of the best entry-level options for marine entertainment. The compact MS-RA50 is perfect for smaller vessels and is capable of powering a set of boat stereo speakers. It features a large LCD display, a water-resistant seal, iPod, and iPhone playback, and it’s extremely easy to use.

The Fusion MS-RA205 compact stereo includes SiriusXM, USB connectivity, a VHF receiver, Bluetooth audio streaming, iPod/iPhone playback with video, and Android or Windows phone connectivity. It also allows you to enjoy different volumes in different parts of your boat. The water-resistant MS-RA205 was made to withstand the harsh marine environment’s salt spray and humidity.

The Fusion MS-UD650 is a top of line, marine entertainment system with a widescreen display and a water-resistant charging dock. It provides loud and clear audio with Apple, Android, Windows, and USB devices, and has Bluetooth and SiriusXM capability as well. And with Multi-Zone™ Technology, you can enjoy different volumes in three separate parts of your boat.

How do I select the best chartplotter for my boat? 

If you are in the market for a new chartplotter, you are likely weighing several factors—budget, screen size, and functionality, just to name a few. This article is designed to provide you with a foundation of how this navigation technology works and questions to ask yourself as you journey through your decision-making process.

First, let’s look at the basic purpose of a chartplotter. While this might be a very elementary point, it is an important foundation. The chartplotter’s job is to show you where you are in the water and to help you navigate to where you are going. That sounds a lot like the GPS in your car, right? Yes and no.

While the chartplotter is run by a GPS similar to what is used within on-land devices, there are additional factors at play on the water, so the functionality and ability to process large volumes of complex data is vital. If the size and structure of the body of water you’re navigating is small and uncomplicated, you can simply type in a destination and a route will be generated for you to follow. However, on larger bodies of water with more complexity, you will likely need to enter waypoints and build a custom route.

Like the GPS in your car, a chartplotter uses GPS or GNSS data to measure bearing, speed, and direction to successfully navigate your route. However, the chartplotter begins to differ from the GPS in your car as you start considering its tracking and route navigation capabilities. A critical element that you must navigate while in the water is the underwater structures that can obstruct your route.