H260 - mounting VHF antenna

[David - Fireball II]

We have a new (to us) 2004 H260 and want to install a fixed VHF radio. Has anyone done this and where is your antenna located. Any tips on how you did it would be welcome. Obviously for range, I would like it as high as possible.

 

[LKYusnret]

I mounted mine

about 8 inches from the top (head) of the mast on the side. Using a 90 deg. bracket that I pop rivited to the mast. Has worked for the last 4 years with no problems. John, Baums Rush

 

[Jonathan Costello]

Mast Mount

I have a '94 23.5. I installed a Shakespere squatty body stainless steel whip antenna to the top of the mast. I ran the cable down through the mast using a wire "fish tool". When you run the wire in the through the holes in your mast make sure you put rubber grommets in the holes to prevent chafing. The 23.5 does not allow you access from the underside of the mast base like you can on the 26/260. You could get by with a double female connector becasue you can tighten the nuts down from both sides by way of the access plate inside the cabin. Get a weather cap for the outside of the connection. Radio Shack won't have the weather cap. you will have to find it at a specialty electronics store or on line. They do exist. Brigg Franklin did this identical installation. Below is a link to his website. Good luck

 

[Corky]

another option

Just another option. Will not be as good as mast top but might be easier. I have left my mast crutch on the back of my boat. It is a great mounting site. I put an fm antennae there and my VHF as well. I then run the leads in throught the back. If you do not need the max range this might be an option.ct

 

[Bob Fliegel]

Top Of The Mast

I also mounted mine on the top of the mast. It turned out to be very successful project as I not only mounted the antenna in a great location but I took care of a very loud noise from the light wire slapping around inside the mast at anchor.When the mast was down for the winter I drilled out the rivets on the masthead, slipped the antenna wire and light wire inside foam pipe insulation and then drilled and tapped the masthead back on.Worked great!

 

[Brigg]

What more can I say?

Thanks for the nice reference Jonathan. However, I did make one large change from the origional installation shown on my web site. I moved the radio to just inside the cabin hatch-way so I can hear it better from the cockpit and also to stop hitting my head on it above the table. I ran the antenna cable between the headliner and the deck into the head and then through the wall to the radio. I'm much happier with the new location,(see attached picture).Brigg Franklin, s/v Wand’rin Star USCG Licensed Marine OfficerASA Certified Sailing Instructorwww.northstarsailing.org45° 40.936' N, 122° 34.936'

 

[crazy dave]

vhf 260

On the starboard side of mast, drill a hole for a two inch double ended female fitting you can get from the HOw chandlrey or West Marine. Make sure you drill just enough for it to go thru. At that point, install using 5200. This is your quick release for the vhf wiring when you dis mast. Take off the panels around the compression post inside on the ceiling. YOu should see a blue tube. Generally it will go all the way back to the electrical panel minus 6 inches from it but you will not be able to see it if you take the panel off adjacent to the electical panel.. Run a snake with a messenger line. That is how to feed the coaxil cable. good luck.One other thing about VHF radios with the emergency beacon. Do not play around with that button because if it is activated without an emergency, you will be up Fiddlesticks creek without a paddle with the coast gaurd. With that, you can add nema wiring from your GPS so that if it is activated, the actual coordinates will also be sent as well. an example is the ICOM 402 VHF. Be sure your GPS does have the Nema capability if you are thinking of this.

 

[George H260]

H260 VHF mount

I used the Davis windex/Shakespear Squatbuddy combination. Drilled out the rivits for the cap and base, put cable ties every 12" on the coax to eliminate cable slapping. Replaced with SS screws. See these picshttp://kobernus.com/hunter260_web/upgrades/electrical/electrical.htmlCrazy Dave's instructions are very clear, one thing tho, when you feed the coax back to the panel area you'll find that the starboard stanchion partially blocks the exit of the blue tube. It will take some creative pushing with the tape to get it through and maybe some foam will be in the way. Two people makes it easier.Also, I purchased the radio with the remote mike. This wireless mike is a great innovation. Works just like your wireless phone at home. You operate the radio from the cockpit. Also purchased the Shakespear emergency antenna. attach it to the spreader or just use the suction cup. Works very well for short range operations. If I'm going to be in close to shore and trailering, I don't bother with the mast antenna.

 

[Pete]

Brigg, Does your compass work Ok near VHF?

Brigg,I saw your photo of your VHF radio and was wondering if it affects your compass. I plan to mount my compass in a similar location but was hesitant as the compass people told me not to mount it near a radio.Pete

 

[Mark]

Pete about the compass

I also read about the effect the radio may have on the compass. Having already installed a compass on my 260 in the recess provided I sure wasn't going to move it. But there was a need for me to mount the VHF thru the heads wall. So prior to this I wired up the VHF and moved it around in the heads behind the compass section. I did not move the compass at all. Having cleared this my radio is now mounted through the head wall just below the CE aluminium plate. It protrudes into the heads but does not get in the way.If I get time today I might slip out to her and take a photo for posting.