Hi, thanks to everyone for the recommendations and ideas! I don't know how to reply to individual posts, (sorry just got on today) My current antenna looks like the wire one (2nd one.) The old coax cable looked like this. (see pic) Today, I quickly took the old male connector off of the old one and stuck a new PL-259 connector to the old cable, but I didn't receive a signal on 16, but could hear the weather channels. I will give it another shot tomorrow and take more time to get it right.
Why did I think the old/new cables weren't compatible? I was told by a guy at the boat store that I had to buy all new everything. Not sure if he was mistaken or if he was trying to meet his sales quota haha.
Before purchasing the boat, there was an evaluation done and the standing rigging was rated as in very good condition. Would you still recommend taking the mast down? That seems like a daunting process, but it's definitely a possibility.
I don't think I will be climbing the mast. It's taken me 4 days to do a simple install of the depth finder unit (without the wiring) because I think I misunderstood advice from a friend on how to drill a hole thru the boat (from cabin to cockpit.) I can't imagine 4 days on the mast...
Good idea, I will give Standard Horizon a call Monday.
And for the record, I am not frustrated... I am learning so much and there's no place I'd rather be. A bad day on the boat beats a great day at the office
(I finished my skid painting today, so snuck in a pick.... so dang happy with the fresh new look!)
Pics are old cable to old
New Standard Horizon VHF (PL-259 works, I tested it on the ground with a new Shakespear antenna) I don't have a pic of the old VHF, it wasn't on the boat when I bought it.)
Thanks again for the great advice, really appreciate it!