32-116, HAMLET As an amateur radio operator, I’m researching the various SSB marine radio setups. It’s my understanding that Marine SSB is required in some countries. I would rather not use a 23’ whip antenna. I’m hoping instead, to use a wire antenna and a tuner with a radio that has the MARS/CAP modifications so I can use it on the channelized marine frequencies and the amateur radio bands as well. If you have experience with marine SSB, please share your thoughts and suggestions. Thanks, Tracy Burke, K4EIX Sent from my iPhone

I’ve had several Marine and Ham SSB radios on my sailboats including an Icom M-802 with an insulated backstay and AT-140 tuner on my Saga 43 sailboat. I think the most practical SSB solution for a Nordic Tug 32 is a vertical antenna with a tuner. I still have several SSB radios (Ham and Marine) but now I find StarLink to be more convenient. I asked Chat GPT for some advice for installation on a Nordic Tug 32 and this was the result: Morad WH-23 23-foot unloaded whip would be my preference for your Nordic Tug 32. Why: * 23 ft of radiating element — important if you want good performance down into the 2–4 MHz marine bands. Icom recommends at least 23 ft for the lowest HF frequencies. * Unloaded/full-length design rather than a shortened loaded antenna. * Very appropriate for a powerboat installation. * Works with an automatic tuner such as the Icom AT-140. * I would mount it aft, as far from the other antennas and electronics as practical, with an upper support bracket. Icom specifically describes this arrangement for powerboats. The Shakespeare 390 or 393 is essentially the other obvious choice. The 390 is two-piece; the 393 is three-piece for easier handling/shipping. Both use conductors running the full length with no loading coil. How I’d install it on your Nordic Tug 32 I’d configure it approximately like this: Icom M-802 → AT-140 tuner → short GTO-15 high-voltage lead → 23’ vertical whip The AT-140 should be mounted as close to the antenna base as practical, preferably in the lazarette or another dry aft location. The connection between tuner and antenna is part of the radiating system, so keeping it short is important. The other half of the system is ground/counterpoise. This is extremely important with SSB. Icom recommends a substantial RF ground system; a direct connection to seawater through a properly installed bronze ground plate is excellent, while copper foil/counterpoise systems are alternatives. What I would not choose I would not make a 16–17 ft SSB whip my first choice for the Nordic Tug 32 if you intend to use the SSB seriously for offshore communication or SailMail/Winlink. The longer antenna gives you better low-frequency capability. Marine SSB performance is strongly affected by antenna length, and longer is generally better. I also wouldn’t use the GAM/McKim split-lead antenna unless there is a compelling installation reason. It’s an excellent solution on a sailboat with a backstay, but your Nordic Tug doesn’t have that advantage. The GAM requires at least a 34-ft backstay, so it isn’t naturally suited to your boat. Bottom line: For your Nordic Tug 32, I’d spend the money on a Morad WH-23 or Shakespeare 390/393 23-ft full-length whip + Icom AT-140 + a very good RF ground/counterpoise system. The ground system may actually make a bigger difference than choosing between the Morad and Shakespeare. Best regards, Tony Torphy (AB2OZ) Snorri 2002 NT32 Hull #225 > On Sep 1, 2026, at 5:05 AM, Tracy Burke via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote: > > 32-116, HAMLET > As an amateur radio operator, I’m researching the various SSB marine radio setups. It’s my understanding that Marine SSB is required in some countries. > I would rather not use a 23’ whip antenna. I’m hoping instead, to use a wire antenna and a tuner with a radio that has the MARS/CAP modifications so I can use it on the channelized marine frequencies and the amateur radio bands as well. > If you have experience with marine SSB, please share your thoughts and suggestions. > Thanks, > Tracy Burke, K4EIX > Sent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.org > To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org