dbs do effect the performance how ever condition of cable and connection are biggest factors. I just replaced my 16yr old antenna the coax was cracked you could see the shield wire. The old antenna had a Gold non solder connector the new was soldered by me and I can recv//send from Midway Marine to West Sister with no problem (10-13mile).I would check connector and where it connects to radio. good connection+8'+good radio= send/receive.