I would like to install a fixed mount vhf on my H26, and I am having a hard time figuring out where to put it. I plan to get a Uniden 525 and install it in the cabin and use a Wham remote in the cockpit. There seems to be a space for a radio just to the right of the stove above the aft birth, but the previous owner installed a stereo there. I would be interested to know where other H26 owners have installed fixed mount radios. Any advice on installing and hooking up the antenna, routing the antenna wire? Thanks for you help
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Hooking up VHF Radio
Paul, Just bought a 260 myself and have been looking at installing a VHF. My plan is to place it just aft of the compression post and run the antenna wire out next to the mast light connection. For power, I'm thinking about tapping into the cabin lights. The circuit should hold the load...how often to you run all the lights AND use the radio? I haven't checked the amps for the C/B, though. Then, run the coaxial cable up the mast and mount the antenna on top the mast. The biggest issues with this is offsetting the Windex to clear the antenna and the added height to the mast. At 40 ft, I'm already pushing bridge clearance in many areas around the northern Gulf of Mexico. Hope that give you an idea. Deucer
Paul, Just bought a 260 myself and have been looking at installing a VHF. My plan is to place it just aft of the compression post and run the antenna wire out next to the mast light connection. For power, I'm thinking about tapping into the cabin lights. The circuit should hold the load...how often to you run all the lights AND use the radio? I haven't checked the amps for the C/B, though. Then, run the coaxial cable up the mast and mount the antenna on top the mast. The biggest issues with this is offsetting the Windex to clear the antenna and the added height to the mast. At 40 ft, I'm already pushing bridge clearance in many areas around the northern Gulf of Mexico. Hope that give you an idea. Deucer
Where I put my radio
I purchased one of these "new to us" water proof VHF radios. Thought about every possible place to mount it before cutting or drilling any holes. In the end after some weeks of deliberation I mounted the radio to the left of the companion way steps through the heads wall just down from the top. Yes it does intrude into the heads but not a lot. It means we can use the radio whilst still getting a good view around. I tapped into the head light for power and ran the coax thru the liner to the mast base. At that point I have a VHF thru hull connection. In fact the exact position of the radio is just below the CE compliance plate. Hope this helps. If you like perhaps a photo may help??
I purchased one of these "new to us" water proof VHF radios. Thought about every possible place to mount it before cutting or drilling any holes. In the end after some weeks of deliberation I mounted the radio to the left of the companion way steps through the heads wall just down from the top. Yes it does intrude into the heads but not a lot. It means we can use the radio whilst still getting a good view around. I tapped into the head light for power and ran the coax thru the liner to the mast base. At that point I have a VHF thru hull connection. In fact the exact position of the radio is just below the CE compliance plate. Hope this helps. If you like perhaps a photo may help??
H26 VHF
If you use a light circuit to power the radio won't you run your battery down faster? I'd recommend adding another dedicated circuit. There is more information on adding VHF at this link: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/vhf/vhf.html I installed the Uniden VHF with remote wireless mike and it works great, but If I had to do it over again, instead of buying the remote mike, I'd get a handheld VHF - about the same price plus you have a backup for your base station.
If you use a light circuit to power the radio won't you run your battery down faster? I'd recommend adding another dedicated circuit. There is more information on adding VHF at this link: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/vhf/vhf.html I installed the Uniden VHF with remote wireless mike and it works great, but If I had to do it over again, instead of buying the remote mike, I'd get a handheld VHF - about the same price plus you have a backup for your base station.
Seperate base radio w/ded circuit and B/U handheld
Your need for a radio can be critical in an electrical failure or lightening strike so I'd err on the side of caution and go with a handheld and a base radio as George said. You could manually switch the lights off, leaving the circuit on but a dedicated circuit would isolate the radio from a short in a bulb/wiring for dependability. Standard Horizon makes an option for a discreet system in a 260. I'm considering it as an upgrade for ours with the mast top ant/windex mount like Georges'. http://www.boatersland.com/ps1000.html Hidden radio base (in galley cabnet?) and two flush mount mic sockets, 1 inside @ elec panel/galley, 1 @ helm. I always carry a handheld backup with my carryon gearbag too. Gotta like the idea of an extra antenna in the boat too. Aloha michael and Kelli 2004 H260 s/v "Plan B"
Your need for a radio can be critical in an electrical failure or lightening strike so I'd err on the side of caution and go with a handheld and a base radio as George said. You could manually switch the lights off, leaving the circuit on but a dedicated circuit would isolate the radio from a short in a bulb/wiring for dependability. Standard Horizon makes an option for a discreet system in a 260. I'm considering it as an upgrade for ours with the mast top ant/windex mount like Georges'. http://www.boatersland.com/ps1000.html Hidden radio base (in galley cabnet?) and two flush mount mic sockets, 1 inside @ elec panel/galley, 1 @ helm. I always carry a handheld backup with my carryon gearbag too. Gotta like the idea of an extra antenna in the boat too. Aloha michael and Kelli 2004 H260 s/v "Plan B"
Radio Housing
Folks, Great ideas on the radio. I haven't "disassembled" my 260 yet, so I don't know all the ins and outs. Are there conduits built into the lining for running wiring? That would help immensely. We looked at a 2003 260 (WAY outside our price range) and it had a enclosure attached to the headliner aft of the compression post. The owner had installed the AM/FM/CD radio there and there was a open bay for another radio. Anybody have any idea if that was factory or aftermarket and how'd you'd get one? Deucer
Folks, Great ideas on the radio. I haven't "disassembled" my 260 yet, so I don't know all the ins and outs. Are there conduits built into the lining for running wiring? That would help immensely. We looked at a 2003 260 (WAY outside our price range) and it had a enclosure attached to the headliner aft of the compression post. The owner had installed the AM/FM/CD radio there and there was a open bay for another radio. Anybody have any idea if that was factory or aftermarket and how'd you'd get one? Deucer
Excellent Information
I am always impressed by how quickly one gets expert advice on this forum. While I think it's a good one, my wife nixed the head idea right away. She said that she finally got a boat with a head; she doesn't want the radio stuck through the wall. George's installation is where I would like to put the radio, but that's where the previous owner put the stereo receiver. The previous owner did a good job installing it so I hate to move it. I agree that the radio should have a dedicated circuit, and I do have a handheld that will become my backup. I am just concerned about range with a handheld, and I really like the DSC function. Right now I am leaning towards the Standard Horizon setup posted by Michael and Kelli. I HATE to drill or cut holes into a boat unless there is not other option. Installation pictures posted by Mike H really helped with regards to wiring and antenna. I am a little concerned about the Standard Horizon radio though: In their description they indicate "When interfaced with a Standard Horizon GPS chart plotter their position will also show up on the display of the chart plotter." I need to make sure that this will interface with any chartplotter. The other side of it is the Garmin handheld that I planned on getting may not support DSC. It seems like all of the manufactures should be on the same page when it comes to safety innovations. In any case thank you for all of the information, Paul
I am always impressed by how quickly one gets expert advice on this forum. While I think it's a good one, my wife nixed the head idea right away. She said that she finally got a boat with a head; she doesn't want the radio stuck through the wall. George's installation is where I would like to put the radio, but that's where the previous owner put the stereo receiver. The previous owner did a good job installing it so I hate to move it. I agree that the radio should have a dedicated circuit, and I do have a handheld that will become my backup. I am just concerned about range with a handheld, and I really like the DSC function. Right now I am leaning towards the Standard Horizon setup posted by Michael and Kelli. I HATE to drill or cut holes into a boat unless there is not other option. Installation pictures posted by Mike H really helped with regards to wiring and antenna. I am a little concerned about the Standard Horizon radio though: In their description they indicate "When interfaced with a Standard Horizon GPS chart plotter their position will also show up on the display of the chart plotter." I need to make sure that this will interface with any chartplotter. The other side of it is the Garmin handheld that I planned on getting may not support DSC. It seems like all of the manufactures should be on the same page when it comes to safety innovations. In any case thank you for all of the information, Paul
VHF
For what it's worth, the VHF/GPS connection works well. You have to read and follow the instructions. The Lat and Lon show up on the VHF screen when connected to the Garmin76 handheld GPS.
For what it's worth, the VHF/GPS connection works well. You have to read and follow the instructions. The Lat and Lon show up on the VHF screen when connected to the Garmin76 handheld GPS.
H260 VHF installation
Hunter has installed conduit throughout the boat and you should not have any problem runing wires. Some of the conduits get blocked by foam but it's a simple matter to punch through. I installed my VHF over the aft bunk and ran the wires through the conduit to the base of the compression post and up through the deck. The only problem I had was getting past the starboard stanchion which partially blocked the conduit that exits there. Sounds more complicated than it is.
Hunter has installed conduit throughout the boat and you should not have any problem runing wires. Some of the conduits get blocked by foam but it's a simple matter to punch through. I installed my VHF over the aft bunk and ran the wires through the conduit to the base of the compression post and up through the deck. The only problem I had was getting past the starboard stanchion which partially blocked the conduit that exits there. Sounds more complicated than it is.
Question re: VHF/GPS connection
George, How did you connect your vhf and your Garmin gps? Was it with the USB that comes with the unit or did you need another cable? When you say that there is conduit, where is the best place to locate it or intersect it? Will I see the conduit if I pull the the electrical panel? Paul
George, How did you connect your vhf and your Garmin gps? Was it with the USB that comes with the unit or did you need another cable? When you say that there is conduit, where is the best place to locate it or intersect it? Will I see the conduit if I pull the the electrical panel? Paul
VHF installation
I'm assuming your H26 is similar to the H260. My radio is above the stove and I have a power connection at the helm station. That makes it easy to run power to both the VHF and the GPS. The conduit starts in the panel above the compression post and runs along the starboard side and stops at the starboard stanchion above the stove. You'll need a thin electrician snake (Home Depot). You might have a little trouble getting past the stanchion but persevere. The panel above the post will allow you to install the deck connector. I'm pretty sure all late model GPS and DSC radios are compatible. Each is going to be a little different. My Uniden DSC VHF is two years old. Later models may be different. The VHF has one wire for data transfer. In my VHF it is a brown wire that receives data from the GPS. I purchased a 4-wire power connector for my G76 GPS handheld. One of the GPS wires is connected to the brown VHF wire. You have to set the GPS to tell it to talk to the VHF; once they are connected, the Lat & Long shows up on the VHF screen. The idea is that when you activate the DSC button or talk to another DSC capable VHF the lat and long will show up on the screen of the receiving VHF. When you decide on the equipment you want and read the directions for setting up data transfer it will become much clearer. We can walk you through it. I usually ignore the directions and just start putting stuff together. Here is one case where you should read the directions. You'll be surprised how easy it is.
I'm assuming your H26 is similar to the H260. My radio is above the stove and I have a power connection at the helm station. That makes it easy to run power to both the VHF and the GPS. The conduit starts in the panel above the compression post and runs along the starboard side and stops at the starboard stanchion above the stove. You'll need a thin electrician snake (Home Depot). You might have a little trouble getting past the stanchion but persevere. The panel above the post will allow you to install the deck connector. I'm pretty sure all late model GPS and DSC radios are compatible. Each is going to be a little different. My Uniden DSC VHF is two years old. Later models may be different. The VHF has one wire for data transfer. In my VHF it is a brown wire that receives data from the GPS. I purchased a 4-wire power connector for my G76 GPS handheld. One of the GPS wires is connected to the brown VHF wire. You have to set the GPS to tell it to talk to the VHF; once they are connected, the Lat & Long shows up on the VHF screen. The idea is that when you activate the DSC button or talk to another DSC capable VHF the lat and long will show up on the screen of the receiving VHF. When you decide on the equipment you want and read the directions for setting up data transfer it will become much clearer. We can walk you through it. I usually ignore the directions and just start putting stuff together. Here is one case where you should read the directions. You'll be surprised how easy it is.
VHF/GPS
George, Thanks for the additional information. If I have a problem sticking things together and getting them to talk I'll be back. I want to compliment you on the the resources that you have pulled together for improvements for the H260. Most of them also apply to the H26. I have spent a good deal of time going through them. Paul
George, Thanks for the additional information. If I have a problem sticking things together and getting them to talk I'll be back. I want to compliment you on the the resources that you have pulled together for improvements for the H260. Most of them also apply to the H26. I have spent a good deal of time going through them. Paul
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