Mounting a dedicated AIS antennae on an insulated backstay

[Hcfirstlight]

Is it feasible to use a dedicated AIS (VHF) antennae mounted on a backstay bracket, on a backstay also insulated for HF transmissions?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum Hcfirstlight,

Q: Is it feasible to use a dedicated AIS (VHF) antennae mounted on a backstay bracket, on a backstay also insulated for HF transmissions?
A: Per the FAQ addressing the subject of antennas for AIS transceivers, the only restriction that Raymarine specifies is that the antenna have a gain rating of no more than -3dB. Also maximum VHF radio (a safety device) performance will also be achieved when the VHF radio has been interfaced to a dedicated VHF antenna. The insulated backstay mount would seem to be an acceptable solution for permitting the AIS transceiver and VHF radio to have dedicated antennas.