Installing vhf antenna thru deck and connectors?

[jmczzz]

What is the best way to get the coax thru the cabin top?
I am using rg8x coax.
I need to go from mast base to inside cabin.
Should it be a PL-259 male connector on coax exiting from mast?
Connected to a Pl-258 (double female) that goes thru the cabin roof to be connected to another PL-259 on the inside going to the VHF?
Question what do I use to seal up the PL-258 going thru the deck?
I see a Blue Sea Systems Cable Cam on line that comes in three sizes.
Which is the correct size to cover the PL-258?
Or if I'm off base, what should I be using? I allready have the RG8X.
Thanks, James

 

[Chief RA]

Good thing we solved this one by email. Chief

 

[CloudDiver]

I'd like to hear the summary... I'm not so sure I like the VHF thru deck fitting I got from CD, the Blue Sea Systems clamshell that compresses a big rubber grommet.

 

[jmczzz]

Cloud look at this one...http://www.westmarine.com/buy/ancor--thrudeck-coax-connector--P003_094_003_503

 

[jmczzz]

I do not like that claimshell set up either. but the old type small metal type does not seem to exsist anymore. West M said they could try and back order?

 

[jmczzz]

Chief, looks like I'm not the only one looking for a better set up...

 

[jmczzz]

just chatted with this company info person...http://www.jamestowndistributors.co...69&familyName=Whitecap+VHF+Antenna+Connectors
He could not verify are these male or female?
I got the telephone and email of the manufacturer from him...
Whitecap VHF Antenna Connector
There number is 888-944-8322
[Rui] The email I have for them is info@whitecapindustries.net
Anybody got the time / patients to run that down?

 

[Chief RA]

James, I found that one but if you calculate it you will only have a few threads left on each end with a 3/4" hull thickness to work with. It works out to about 1/8" of threads left after putting on the base nuts that come with it.
Clouddiver: We found the thru hull unit in West Marine and it does squeeze the rubber center as you describe. These are good units and can put sealer on top of rubber if needed. Check "Coax cable deck fitting" , West Marine. , model #123851. Chief

 

[jmczzz]

Chief, #123851, thats what I had in mind. A PL-258 on top of that to connect the from the mast coax PL-259. Still seems like a lot of stuff up on the deck but I don't see any other way as yet. Thanks, James

 

[Chief RA]

CloudDiver: Forwarded James and I's emails for you to peruse. Chief

 

[Chief RA]

Need a long enough barrel to feed through the deck with enough on each end to properly attach and seat fittings. I do not know where to find that. Hopefully someone will come on that knows, but its a long shot. Gotta go out for awhile, Chief

 

[Chief RA]

Bring up "cable outlet" online at Defender.com. $5! Chief

 

[CaptDon01]

For what it's worth, I've found my base VHF radio in the cabin pretty useless, especially if I'm motoring. I just can't hear it,(too many years working around runways), so I always have a good handheld VHF in the cockpit. Tests I've conducted show that the range with the handheld on the ocean is further than I can see my buddy out on the ocean who was also using a handheld on his boat. My handhelds have both a rechargeable battery pack, and a battery pack that uses AA batteries. I always have a supply of AA batteries on board, so even if my my boat's batteries shoot craps, or the rechargeable battery packs die, I still have AA's. I'm also going with an antenna mounted on the stern pulpit. I don't have to remove it, or disconnect anything when trailering. Just fold it over and drive away. My coax cable will be continuous from base of the antenna to the back of the radio, with no connections through the deck. Again the range is further than you would think. And in the worst case situation arises, I also have a SPOT aboard for that situation.

Don

 

[Chief RA]

In an emergency you won't find the 25 watt unit worthless. Lets hope you never have an emergency. Numerous items are carried onboard in case of an emergency and seem worthless until they really are needed. Chief

 

[CaptDon01]

I didn't say it was worthless, I said it's "pretty much useless, especially if I'm motoring", I can't hear it. It's still on, I just can't hear it, and if someone is broadcasting in distress, not being able to hear them, it's useless.... So, as I already said, I also have a handheld with me in the cockpit that I can hear a distress call, and not having to leave the cockpit to go below to make a call. So if it was "worthless", there wouldn't be any need to have it aboard, but that's obviously not the case.....

Don

 

[joker460]

You might try this http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|344|2028695|2029069&id=2308466

 

[Fred Villiard]

On the Jamestown pic the ones on each end are female, the middle one is male.

For longer ones try Digikey.com or Pasternack.com

 

[Chief RA]

Thanks Fred! That could be what is needed as long as they are long enough. Chief

 

[Chief RA]

Don: remote mic? Chief,EE

 

[jmczzz]

You might try this http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|344|2028695|2029069&id=2308466

No joke joker
That's it! I knew I had seen them like this in the past. So glad they still are available even if pricy. Thank you very much.
James

Fred, The on line chat person said the top one was male. I didn't think he know what he was talking about. thanks for confirming.
James