Stay Connected with Reliable Marine Communication
Australia's marine conditions are as varied as they are demanding. Reliable communication is essential from the turbulent Bass Strait to the remote reaches of the Top End. Oricom’s range of marine antennas and VHF antennas is explicitly engineered to meet these challenges. These antennas are trusted by professionals and recreational boaters alike for their durability, dependable performance, and ease of installation.
Whether managing a commercial fishing vessel or heading out on a weekend cruise, staying in touch with shore and nearby vessels ensures both safety and convenience. Oricom’s antennas are built to deliver consistent performance, even in unpredictable weather and salt-heavy environments, offering peace of mind every time you set sail.
Oricom's Marine Antenna Range
Australia’s waters demand reliable communication. Oricom’s marine antenna range, including models like the MDW18V, MDW24V, MDW18B, MDW24B, MDW18AM and MBA450V, is built tough for salt, sun, and spray, providing clarity and trust from coast to offshore.
Beyond individual models, Oricom delivers performance through thoughtful design features. Each whip offers UV‑stable fibreglass construction to resist sun damage and extend service life in harsh conditions. Pre‑tuned antennas eliminate guesswork during installation, while colour‑coded whip inserts simplify pairing with compatible marine brackets like MBL001 and MBL002. The FME connector design does not need soldering, reducing set‑up time and installation errors.
The ground‑dependent MBA450V offers a compact solution for vessels with minimal mast height. Meanwhile, the 27 MHz MDW18AM supports legacy equipment still in use aboard older boats. Choices like the 1.8 m and 2.4 m VHF whips address both limited mast space and long‑range coverage needs. Together, this marine antenna range gives users flexibility, durability, and consistent connectivity in all boating scenarios.
Choosing the Right VHF Antenna for Your Vessel
Not all VHF antennas are created equal. The right fit depends on your boat type, usage, and typical cruising zones. Oricom offers a variety of options to meet every need, whether navigating busy marinas or heading into offshore waters.
Key Considerations:
- Height and gain: Taller antennas, such as the MDW24V, provide extended line-of-sight coverage, ideal for yachts and motor cruisers. For smaller vessels or rigid inflatables, a compact model like the MBA450V offers essential range with a lower profile.
- Installation style: Depending on your vessel's layout, choose between mast, deck, or rail mounts. The MDW series is compatible with Oricom’s MBL001, MBL002, and MFMB01 brackets, providing installation flexibility.
- MHz optimisation: All Oricom antennas are pre-tuned to the marine VHF spectrum used across Australian waters, ensuring minimal interference and maximum signal clarity.
- Material construction: Each model uses durable, marine-grade materials such as UV-stabilised fibreglass and corrosion-resistant material, making them suitable for ongoing exposure to salt spray, wind, and high UV levels.
Oricom's antenna selection is designed to support both recreational users and commercial operators. Whether you're conducting harbour patrols, offshore fishing, or weekend cruising, a tailored antenna solution is ready to meet your requirements.
Selecting the Right Antenna Model
1. MDW18V – 1.8 m VHF Marine Whip
A mid‑length VHF antenna offers strong performance and easy mounting on vessels with limited height.
2. MDW24V – 2.4 m VHF Marine Whip
Ideal for extended range signalling. Offers enhanced line‑of‑sight reach while remaining simple to install.
3. MDW18B – 1.8 m AM/FM Marine Whip
Engineered specifically for clear AM/FM broadcast reception while on the water. Ground‑independent and fully detachable with a corrosion‑resistant finish.
4. MDW24B – 2.4 m AM/FM Marine Whip
Offers enhanced reception for onboard entertainment and marine broadcasts. Pre‑tuned and UV‑stable, with an easy plug‑in FME connector.
5. MDW18AM – 1.8 m 27 MHz Whip
Designed for older 27 MHz marine systems. A reliable option when vintage equipment is still in operation.
6. MBA450V – 450 mm Ground‑Dependent VHF Antenna
Compact and ideal for low‑profile mounting on small vessels or where height is restricted. Ground‑dependent design suits specific installations.
Antenna Types and Performance Benefits
Oricom’s marine antenna range is engineered for durability and dependable function across various vessel types. Each antenna whip is pre-tuned for VHF or AM/FM use, designed to maximise clarity while withstanding harsh marine environments.
Popular Types:
- VHF whip antennas, such as the MDW18V and MDW24V, are ideal for maintaining line-of-sight communication on powerboats and sailing vessels. Their fibreglass construction resists flex fatigue and corrosion, offering consistent performance even at speed.
- AM/FM whip antennas – MDW18B and MDW24B are explicitly crafted for onboard entertainment systems. These ground-independent antennas ensure crisp radio reception while at anchor or underway.
- Compact ground-dependent antennas – The MBA450V is designed for vessels with limited mounting height or streamlined layouts. It offers essential VHF performance in a smaller form factor.
Each antenna is crafted with marine-grade materials and tested to endure high UV, salt spray, and mechanical vibration. Their internal connectors are moisture-resistant, reducing the risk of signal loss or hardware corrosion.
Oricom’s antenna systems provide a modular, future-proof foundation for expanding your marine electronics setup. Whether upgrading an older vessel or equipping a new build, the range delivers dependable performance for all boating scenarios.
Accessories and Mounting Options for Optimal Setup
An antenna’s performance is only as good as its installation. Oricom provides a range of robust mounting accessories that simplify the process while maximising signal clarity and equipment longevity.
Popular Mounting Solutions:
- Swivel bases such as MBL001 (single) and MBL002 (double) provide flexible positioning and easy folding or removal during trailering or storage.
Practical Installation Advice for Antennas
A proper installation is essential for getting the best performance from your Oricom marine antenna. Following a few smart setup steps will improve communication range and equipment longevity regardless of boat type.
Why Australian Boaters Choose Oricom
Since 2003, Oricom has focused on communication products engineered for the diverse conditions of Australian waters. Feedback from professional mariners, boat builders, and local authorities informs every design update, ensuring that products reflect real-world marine challenges.
Benefits of choosing Oricom include:
- Australian-tested antennas, validated through rigorous salt spray, UV, and mechanical vibration tests.
- A full range of models, including the MDW18V, MDW24V, MBA450V, and AM/FM options like MDW18B, built to suit everything from runabouts to offshore trawlers.
- Expert after-sales support and extended warranties backed by a trusted Australian brand.
- Clear installation guides are provided with every antenna and mounting bracket, ideal for DIY boaters or professional riggers.
Whether upgrading an existing system or outfitting a new build, Oricom’s commitment to durability, ease of use, and Australian ingenuity ensures reliable marine communication wherever you go, from coastal estuaries to deep offshore waters.
Why Choose Oricom Marine Antennas?
Oricom antennas are designed specifically for Australian boating needs. All models are thoroughly tested for salt, UV, and vibration resistance in marine environments. They are fully compatible with Oricom VHF marine radios, supporting reliable communication on coastal or offshore passages.
These antenna whips and bracket options ensure recreational boaters and maritime professionals can access dependable solutions tailored to vessel layout and usage patterns.
Ready to Upgrade?
Oricom’s marine antennas are trusted across the boating community for good reason. Built to endure, they provide stable communication in every condition, from sunny harbour trips to remote ocean crossings.
Discover the latest models and enjoy exclusive online savings when you shop at Oricom—experience worry-free boating with antenna systems engineered for Australian waters and backed by expert local support.
