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Ask SAIL: Plastic Top Gone

My VHF radio and masthead antenna regularly give me better transmission and reception than the cruising sailors around me.
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Q:John Lewis, Cape Canaveral, FL

My VHF radio and masthead antenna regularly give me better transmission and reception than the cruising sailors around me. However, a recent inspection at the masthead revealed the white plastic cover for my VHF Metz antenna has disintegrated. Am I ready for an antenna failure?


Gordon West Replies

Fear not! Metz and Shakespeare stainless steel masthead antennas have the inside shunt-fed coil encapsulated in epoxy. The protective cap is just for looks! Continue to enjoy the best VHF signal from your masthead antenna.

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