BGAlone,
The SP 5101 or 02 are both great, and not expensive. There are other brands also good but SP I have installed many and they are simply a standard on quality and price. The 6db gain SP are all good. The more expensive ones have better looking finish and looks, but are electrically similar. S.P. normally come with the connector NOT installed, to allow you to easily route the thin coax via a small hole. Installing the COAX connector ( CB type PL-259 ) is NOT easy, you will need a GOOD and powerfull solder iron or gun, so the HAM radio guy idea is what you want, besides, they are ALL great and very friendly guys/gals.
An 8' AM/FM is OK if you want more range, and that way you will match both sides and the boat will look even, that is what I have, but if you have strong local stations for FM, you won`t need a big AM/FM antenna. With my 8' FM antenna I can receive St. Thomas stations which play AWESOME Reggae music, from 40+ miles away, with a shorty one, that will not be possible for me.

Attenna
 

Am Fm antenna will not interfere because you can't TX on them. Remember every 3 DB of gain, you double your ERP {Effective Radiated Power} of your radio. Hams are always willing to help out, use The QRZ database to find someone . I case your wondering QRZ in the old amateur radio Q signal's that date back to Morse code days stands for "Who's calling me"

ALL of the 2000CC's origanally had an antenna mount on the starboard side right up next to the fuel filler. This was standard equipment from HYDRA-SPORTS. As for the VHF and AM/FM, get one of the newer VHF's that has a radio built into it. I seen that they came out not too long back and use one antenna I believe and they simply switch to which one you want to use unless there is a DSC signal and then it automatically goes to VHF. Or you could simply hook your AM/FM radio up to your grab handle by the windshield and use that as your antenna. This is the same antenna arrangement that most boat builders use now in fiberglass boats.

Ferm, I looked where you said and I don't see where it was originally. Here's a pic: http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...a/100_2508.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...a/100_2509.jpg

SOmebody has filled in the holes on it then because the antenna was standard equipment from HYDRA-SPORTS right on top of the gunwale by the fuel filler. Both of mine have the mount right on top there.

Ferm, you know, it's weird because I also understand that trim tabs were standard equipment on the Vectors as well, but I don't have them. There may be holes there that I can't see because filled in and covered over by bottom paint, but I wonder what's going on with my Vector. It has the Vector decals on it along with the full length lightning bolt along the side... ???

WRT the antenna mount, if there were holes that were filled in, they did a great job because there's no evidence at all that there were holes there. I'm not saying it's impossible, just that if it was done, it was done right.

BGA...if you have to find a new place to mount your antenna (s), may I suggest...if it will fit there, mount it just outside where the Bimini's main rail mounts to the top of the gunwale...that way you are not ADDING a new obstruction point as you would if say it was mounted in front or behind the top.

Does your Bimini mount top of the gunwale or inside?...there may not be enough room for this if it is top mounted...good luck whatever route you decide to take...and of course PICTURES :pic:

I put my 2 on the console and face them slightly forward, they look a bit odd but work fine. They also clear my bimini top with no problems, but your top may be mounted differently than mine.

I ordered a Shakespeare 5101 and a 5120 along with two 4187 mounts for a total of $134 including shipping. Not bad! You all might want to add these guys to your bookmarks for boating supplies: http://bestboatingdeals.com/

Reel, I'll be sure to take pics and I'll install the bimini top before I start messing around with the installation of the antennas just to make sure I clear them; thanks for the good reminder. That's a mistake I could see myself making.

Ferm, can you snap a pic of yours when you get a moment? I'd like to consider what you've done. Thanks!

I have a 8' on top the hard top works fine, But make sure to remember to put down when trailerng!!:nut:

As for a AM/FM I have a 8" little rubber att and it works great around here!!