Things You'll Need:
- Drill and bits
- Screw drivers, flat head and Phillips
- Marine VHF radio with proper power cord and mounting hardware
- Marine VHF antenna and mounting hardware
- Antenna wire appropriate for the antenna
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Step 1
Secure the radio mounting bracket to a stable surface. Not all marine VHF radios are waterproof, or even water resistant. In an open boat, mount the radio at or near the steering console in a location as protected from splash and spray as possible, or as far aft and as near the center line of the boat as possible if there is no control console. If the boat has a cabin, then mount the radio at the steering station.
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Step 2
Locate the antenna at the highest possible point on the boat where the antenna can be securely attached to the vessel and where the antenna lead can still reach the radio. If necessary, an antenna mast can be fabricated from PVC pipe and attached to the steering console.
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Step 3
Connect the antenna to the radio but do not mount the radio in the mounting bracket. To prevent damage to the radio, it should be attached to the antenna before the power supply is connected to the radio.
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Step 4
Connect the power supply to the radio. Marine radios are 12VDC systems and should be on a dedicated circuit to the boat's battery to prevent interference from other boat systems such as lighting, stereo or galley equipment.
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Step 5
Mount the radio in the mounting bracket and adjust the tilt of the radio for ease of use and tuning. Marine radio mounting brackets use two mounting screws that allow the radio to be tilted up or down. Turn the radio on and arrange to conduct a test transmission. If the test is unsuccessful, make sure that the radio is getting power--the tuning LED will light up--and check the antenna connection. Reconnect the antenna if necessary.
