SEA GROUND: Here the position of teh antenna is centered on the solar array. Notice how the mast has squished the field, and elevated the radiation pattern. The maximum field strength is at 45 degrees to the horizon. The loading is good at 49 ohms and VSWR of 1.1:1. Maximum current is flowing in the antenna and a full 200 watts is being absorbed.

Revised: Saturday, July 5, 2014

This is the NEC plot (using cocoanec) for the configuration shown here. The boat is in sea water. The antenna (1/4 wave wire) is mounted on the aluminum counterpoise which is also the solar panel frame. The mast is fwd of the antenna by 13 ft. The backstay is aft of the antenna by 6 ft. The antenna is offset to stbd. by 2 ft and is vertically oriented. The counterpoise is simulated in NEC by adding 32 radials, 2 ft long. Notice how the mast squishes the RF field. The ground is Sea Water.