Installing VHF Antenna

[Dave]

I have a 2001 Hunter 260 and will be installing a VHF antenna on the mast. What is the techinique to get the cable through the mast and out the base? I have never done this procedure, would I be better off leaving this for the boat yard?

 

[Dale Wile]

Fishtape

I used an electrician's fishtape (from a tool rental store). It is a stiff, springy wire that comes on a reel, which electricians use to pull cable through walls and attics, etc. I drilled an access hole near the top of the mast, just below the masthead fitting. The hole size fit a rubber grommet with an inside diameter of 1/4". I pushed the fishtape down through the mast from the top to the bottom, attached a length of braided nylon cord (about 3/16" size), then pulled the fishtape and the nylon cord back through the mast and out the access hole. I removed the fishtape and attached the coax cable to the nylon cord with electrician's tape. From the bottom of the mast I pulled the nylon cord with the coax attached until the cable reached the bottom. I drilled another hole in the mast about six inches from the bottom. With a coat hanger I was able to work the coax out through the bottom hole. I slipped rubber grommets over the coax at both the top and bottom and worked the grommets into the holes in the mast. Finally, I soldered coax PL-259 connectors to both ends of the coax cable. I don't think I could have done it without the fishtape. That is the key. Good luck.Dale WileSandpoint, Idaho

 

[Ken shubert]

Don't Forget!

Don't forget to carry an emergency antenna in case of dismasting. If you don't venture very far from home it may not be a problem but if you get out of site of land.... at least carry a "rubber duck" backup. Some say that the larger cable (.500") is necessary for long runs but I've had excellent luck with good quality small cable. You don't want to drill any bigger hole than necessary in the mast. Invest in your very own fishtape --- it's extremely handy for pulling new halyards thru the mast too.KenS/V Wouff Hong

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Wire zip ties

Dave -The guys have it right above, just wanted to add that when I did this last year I put a nylon cable zip around the cable every few feet and left the tails long. They spring against the inside of the mast and keep the wire from slapping.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Tom M.]

Isn't there a conduit

running through the whole length of the running the full length of the mast? I was under the impression there was...Also, what about using the coax that has the factory installed PL-259 connectors on both ends? Has anyone used that type of cable? Lastly, what about going throught the deck, how did you do it?Thanks for any info.Tom M.

 

[Tom M.]

VHF antenna again...

Isn't there a conduit running the full length of the mast? I was under the impression there was...Do you just remove the end plates (screws?) on the mast for access?Also, what about using the coax that has the factory installed PL-259 connectors on both ends (RG-8X 50')? Has anyone used that type of cable? Lastly, what about going through the deck, how did you do it?Thanks for any info.Tom M.