I stopped by my local West Marine Thursday on my way home from the boat. I had an email from them stating that they had things on sale up to 50% off normal pricing. I definitely like saving money whenever possible. I had 3 items on my list that I would need to spend some more boat bucks on.

Earlier I had purchased a new Standard Horizon Explorer GX1700W VHF radio as the VHF that came with the boat was not working. I did install the new radio and I connected the old antenna to the radio. There is some background hiss that I can eliminate by wiggling the antenna input. Knowing I would be replacing the antenna soon I went with the old one for now.

As I walked through the WM store I looked at a few VHF antennas. I had narrowed it down to either the Shakespeare Mariner 8700 or the 8900. I went home and fired up my computer so I could research both units. After reading the reviews on the 8900 I decided to up the ante and get the top of the line model. All the reviews were very positive.

The regular price was $239.99 a bit stiff but who really wants to go cheap on a major safety item. This antenna was 30% off which dropped the price down to $167.99, definitely more acceptable. I also had $50 worth of West Marine bucks from my purchases of the Garmin GPS unit and the new VHF to spend dropping the price to an even more acceptable $117.99. I bought the 8900 model and intend to install it next Wednesday.

Here is a link to the antenna:

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/shakespea ... r--6966071

Reading the following review pretty much sold me on the antenna.

Local west marine was out of stock for a replacement 5225 XP I was replacing, as well as comparable 8' VHF antennas. Took a chance on this top-of-the-line Mariner 8900, grumbling about the premium price.

Installed antenna on boat with two radios and an existing 5225 XP. Came with a "clamp-on" PL-259 connector, which I was dubious about since I normally solder my own on. Turned out this clamp-on PL-259 connector was awesome.

Tested this with an SWR meter and the VSWR was quite low, but the power output was showing a bit under 30 watts. (Radio maxes out at 25 watts, right?) Swapped with another radio and I got the same exact readings. Compared to my "good XP 5225", I had a bit higher VSWR and power of about 20 watts.

Out in open water between Florida and the Bahamas, I found the reception to be outstanding and communication with other boats is clear. I'm so impressed that I went back later to purchase a second one, especially since it was on sale. I definitely feel like I got great value for what I paid for these 8900's.

My only con, if any, is with the packaging. The tube itself is great, but the ends of the tube are secured with a flimsy, stapled-on plastic cap. Inside the cap is some foam to protect the antenna. Like others I've purchased, this end-cap is often chewed up from the shipping or something. By now you'd think they'd have a much better end cap that securely protects both ends of the antenna.

I am looking forward to calling out for my first radio check.

I also needed something to help me when I do my oil changes. I ran across this unit.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-mari ... --11047123

The regular price was $94.99 and it was marked 26% off bringing the price down to $69.99. The oil removal system I had when I owned my Bayliner does not work on the Carver as the dipstick tubes are not threaded so I needed to get something to help me when doing that task.

The 3rd item I need is a power cord. A 25' cord came with the boat. There are times when I need to raft off from the docks and a 25' cord is to short. Unfortunately the power cords are not currently marked down. I won't need one until August so I can keep my eyes open for them to go on sale. If they don't I will buy it when I need it.

Here is the shorepower cord I am considering.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/marinco-- ... --14272439

A question for you all. Should I buy another 25' cord to make the connection or should I buy a 50' foot cord and only use the one cord whenever I am rafted off other boats at the docks. What do you think. Would wrestling a 50' cord be that much more difficult than managing 2 25' cords and connecting them together. I am leaning towards Marinco but should I consider Furrion another brand that WM sells. I am also thinking that if I get the 50 footer I could leave my current power cord at the dock and carry the new one for when I travel to other facilities.

Decisions, decisions.