Posted by Weatherly on 12/03/14 - 9:30 AM
#8
One of many benefits of the rail mounted VHF antenna fitting is that it has a ratchet action. The ratchet makes it easy to lower the antenna flush with the gunwale, out of the way, when fishing.
My 1986 Montauk 17 had a console mounted VHF antenna and I disliked it because it impeded with movement around the console when fishing, and made use of the console stainless hand rail difficult. I was not able to lower the antenna even though it had a ratchet because the console rail stanchions got in the way.