TOPIC:

Finally got a mounted radio for Christmas this year, got a 8 ft antenna with it. Just wondering if you guys put your antennas down when your running or if it's ok to just leave it up???

I run with mine up 55mph with no adverse affects.

Mine is always up on the water. Only take it down when trailering.

As long as you have a solid mounting place you will be fine with leaving it up while running on the water. I suggest putting it down while trailer also, I have seen a few snap when met with low flying branches.

I always keep mine up.

Up when running. Ratchet mounts are available in both metal and nylon. Nylon is less expensive. Years ago I cheaped out and bought a nylon one. Always wondered if or when it would break. The nylon one is now 17 years years old. I still worry about when it will break, but perhaps this is one time being cheap didn't bite me.

Down when trailering 99.9 percent of the time. On the 0.1% time I left it up while trailering I learned the boat won't fit in the pole barn with the antennae up. (Still didn't break the nylon mount.)

On this boat I had to mount the antenna near the console on which my Sonar/GPS are located. (less than 3 feet). If I key the radio microphone to talk more than 8 or 10 seconds it will cause the GPS signal to be lost. No biggy since it comes right back but it's annoying. If you can manage it, mount the antenna away from other electronics.