HF antenna info needed for Beneteau 361

[JimskyD]

We have a Beneteau 361 with dual backstays. Also am a ham and have a Yaesu 897 with SGC tuner. I want to re-configure my backstays into a HF antenna. Looking for any advice or experience on this. One backstay or both, etc?

Thanks much

Jim & Sharon
S/V The Neighborhood

 

[windward54]

One of the backstays is all you need to modify.

There is a social group with it's own forum for SSB and ham radio questions.

 

[RichH]

I would suggest that you take a look at a GAM/McKim split lead HF antenna ... will simply fit (slip-on) over one of your existing backstays, requires no special insulators, ... and leaves the structural integrity of the present backstay system intact.

http://www.gamelectronicsinc.com/products/gam-mckim-split-lead-antenna

I doubt that you'll get any HF 'coupling' with the backstay that is 'bare' ... as you dont normally get such 'coupling' with masthead affixed cap shrouds and other stays, and 'runners', etc.
For the past 5-6 yrs, I've been operating a GAM (w/AT-140 tuner vs. iCom 802) and have found it to be quite exceptional in long distance HF/SSB communications.
I just recently replaced the backstay ... just a snap-off, snap-on with the GAM antenna system. To re-do all the insulators for a new backstay antenna, the cost would have been quite high.

hope this helps

 

[MichaelStacy]

One of the backstays is all you need to modify.

There is a social group with it's own forum for SSB and ham radio questions.

Ok, now that you caught my attention, where is this social group? In this forum, or another?
Thanks,

Michael

 

[windward54]

If you click on the Forums tab, and then select Social Groups, the list will come up. Just join the SSB and Ham group. To get to the Forum for this group, just click on the Forums tab and scroll down to the bottom of the list. You'll see us near the bottom, in the Social Groups Forum section. You have to join the social group first to post in the forum. You can always PM me if you need any help.

RichH, I like the GAM antenna and even have one for a backup. The reason it is a backup and not being used is there is one issue I have with the GAM. The GTO-15 feed line tends to wick moisture easily and fail. Not a problem for most antennas as you can simply replace the line in about half an hour or so. Unfortunately with the GAM, the only way to replace this line is to take the whole thing down and send it back to the manufacturer. If you're near shore, no problem. But if you are out and away from the dock for an extended trip, can be a big issue.

 

[RichH]

Interesting about the moisture intrusion .... As I stated I have an AT140 tuner and do not constantly check SWR, etc. I do have a MFJ versa tuner ... so I will soon check the 'matching'.

Whats the point of entry of moisture? .... connection to/at the folded dipole or permeation through the GTO outer cover?
Thanks for the heads up ... but Ive not had 'any' apparent problems in the ~6 years of operation.

 

[SOLARWIND]

Would like to know where the SSB ham group is as I did not find with the above post.

 

[joker460]

http://forums.beneteau.sailboatowners.com/group.php?groupid=17

 

[windward54]

Or from the SBO's basic website, as they don't have a Jeanneau website:

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/group.php?groupid=17

Once you join, you can access the Forum. One other quirk though, the Forum doesn't show up on my iPhone app version of Sailboatowners.

RichH, my post mortum on the cable led me to believe the moisture started to wick from the AT-140 and worked up the GTO line. The line then apparently arced and the center conductor appeared to carbonize and fail. My first notice was when I started to get a SWR warning on the Icom M802, especially on 40 meters. The antenna was about 2 years old, and I'm in Southern California, not known for a lot of moisture. And by the time I discovered what happened, the GTO was toast almost the entire length.

You are right about the performance though. The GAM works as well as a backstay antenna, and it is really easy to install. I did mine in about 10 minutes working solo. I still recommend the GAM, but not to those who are going cruising. But like I said, it is a great backup. I used mine for the past year until I got the rigger out to install the backstay antenna. So I've sealed the GAM back in a plastic bag, and have it ready to use in an emergency.