The Sirio Cruiser is a premium, 1/2-wave base-loaded marine VHF antenna engineered for professional and leisure marine communications. Designed to work without a ground plane, it's ideal for GRP (fibreglass) and wooden hulls where a ground plane is not available. Covering 154–162.5 MHz at SWR ≤2:1 with a bandwidth of 8.6 MHz, it delivers 100W power handling and a gain of 0 dBd (2.15 dBi) with a 360° omnidirectional radiation pattern. The transformer DC-ground feed system provides inherent lightning protection. Supplied with a 5.5m white RG-58 C/U coaxial cable directly connected, and featuring a 180° adjustable whip for flexible positioning. The high-quality white fibreglass conic whip with stainless steel hardware blends seamlessly with any vessel. Key Features 100W power handling Frequency range: 154–162.5 MHz @ SWR ≤2:1 Bandwidth: 8.6 MHz @ SWR ≤2:1 Gain: 0 dBd / 2.15 dBi No ground plane required — ideal for GRP & wooden hulls Transformer DC-ground feed — inherent lightning protection 360° omnidirectional radiation pattern Linear vertical polarisation 1/2-wave base-loaded design 180° inclination adjustable whip Supplied with 5.5m white RG-58 C/U coax cable (directly connected) High-quality white fibreglass conic whip Stainless steel hardware Height: 1100mm Weight: 680g Made by Sirio Technical Specifications Type: 1/2-wave base-loaded marine VHF antenna Frequency range: 154–162.5 MHz @ SWR ≤2:1 Impedance: 50Ω unbalanced Radiation (H-plane): 360° omnidirectional Radiation (E-plane): beamwidth at -3 dB = 60° Radiation angle: 23° Polarisation: Vertical Gain: 0 dBd / 2.15 dBi Bandwidth: 8.6 MHz @ SWR ≤2:1 SWR at resonant frequency: ≤1.3:1 Max power: 100W Feed system: Transformer DC-ground / base Cable: 5.5m white RG-58 C/U (directly connected) Height: 1100mm Weight: 680g Materials: Nylon, fibreglass, chromed brass Frequently Asked Questions Does the Sirio Cruiser require a ground plane?No. The 1/2-wave base-loaded design is self-contained and does not require a ground plane, making it ideal for GRP (fibreglass) and wooden hulls where a metallic ground plane is not available. Does it cover all marine VHF channels?Yes. The 154–162.5 MHz frequency range covers all international marine VHF channels (Ch 01–Ch 88), including DSC (Ch 70) and the international calling channel (Ch 16). What lightning protection does it offer?The transformer DC-ground feed system connects the antenna element to ground (the vessel’s earth bonding), providing inherent protection against static build-up and a degree of lightning protection. For full lightning protection, a dedicated lightning arrestor is recommended. What cable is included and how long is it?The antenna is supplied with a 5.5m white RG-58 C/U coaxial cable that is directly connected (not a plug-in connector), keeping the installation neat and weatherproof. What connector does the cable terminate with?The 5.5m RG-58 cable terminates with a PL-259 (UHF Male) plug, compatible with the SO-239 socket found on most marine VHF radios and DSC controllers. Can the whip angle be adjusted?Yes. The whip features 180° inclination adjustment, allowing you to angle it to suit your mounting position — useful for radar arch, pushpit rail, or cabin-top installations. What is the gain and how does it compare to other marine antennas?The Cruiser delivers 0 dBd (2.15 dBi) gain — equivalent to a half-wave dipole. This is a clean, low-angle radiation pattern suited to coastal and offshore use, without the narrow beam of higher-gain antennas that can cause signal fade in rough seas. Is it suitable for permanent outdoor marine installation?Yes. It is constructed from fibreglass, nylon, and chromed brass with stainless steel hardware, all chosen for corrosion resistance in saltwater marine environments.
