Installing VHF

Tim R. · Apr 22, 2009

Aluminum rivets from the outside is a common way to attach the conduit. Some extrusions have an inner "T" that allows you to split the conduit and slide it over the "T". others have an internal sail track that will take small slugs that can be attached to the conduit.

Rob19574 · Apr 22, 2009

What is the objective here? To run a conduit that is fixed inside the mast OR just provide a way to keep the cable in place?

I used a very simple way that has worked fine for me with all my interior mast wiring - I rewired everything on my C-30 a couple of years ago. No noise whatsoever and I did not use a conduit.

- Lay the VHF cable alongside your mast.
- Buy about 100 or so plastic ties (at least 12" - available at HomeDepot)
- Afix the ties about every 2 feet along the VHF cable going along to mast. The Ties should be positioned with the long tails spaned out to create a "star" effect. So attached about 4 ties every 2 feet apart - the 4 ties should be staggered in a way that allows the long 12" tail to span out in the star pattern or 360 degrees.
- pull the VHF cable through the mast.
- The long tails from the ties will apply pressure along side the mast walls and will keep the VHF wire from slapping around.
- Your internal halyards will pass through with no problem.
- I wrapped all my mast wiring into one bundle - then pulled it through.

- Rob

Maddog · Apr 22, 2009

paphman said:
I am installing a new vhf radio. I will be running the wire inside the mast and would like to install a 3/4" pvc tube inside the mast to run the cable in. My question is how do I attach the tube to the inside of the mast, and what is the best way to do that? The boat is a C-22 so the mast is only 25 ft long. Thanks

Dale

Find a solution other than the conduit. After 30 years the rivets or the conduit has failed on my boat. Rocking on a mooring, my mast sounds like the bells of Notre Dame. I read an article last year in one of the sailing rags, (Can't find it now). Were a guy made a custom U-bolt out of stainlees steel threaded rod and captured all his wires at the base of the mast below his winches, then screwed it down with nylocks and a plate from the outside. Quite harmony as rained from heaven on his boat. It was done with out pulling the mast, in place on the boat. I hope to do this soon. If I'm not clear, I'll try to post a scetch later.

Stu Jackson · Apr 22, 2009

Our conduit has been in for 22 years and is just fine

This Old Boat by Don Casey explains how to install the conduit.

MrBee · Apr 25, 2009

Rob19574 said:
What is the objective here? To run a conduit that is fixed inside the mast OR just provide a way to keep the cable in place?

I used a very simple way that has worked fine for me with all my interior mast wiring - I rewired everything on my C-30 a couple of years ago. No noise whatsoever and I did not use a conduit.

- Lay the VHF cable alongside your mast.
- Buy about 100 or so plastic ties (at least 12" - available at HomeDepot)
- Afix the ties about every 2 feet along the VHF cable going along to mast. The Ties should be positioned with the long tails spaned out to create a "star" effect. So attached about 4 ties every 2 feet apart - the 4 ties should be staggered in a way that allows the long 12" tail to span out in the star pattern or 360 degrees.
- pull the VHF cable through the mast.
- The long tails from the ties will apply pressure along side the mast walls and will keep the VHF wire from slapping around.
- Your internal halyards will pass through with no problem.
- I wrapped all my mast wiring into one bundle - then pulled it through.

- Rob

Nice idea, the same principal as the "Stand-Off's" in a Well to keep the water pipe from wearing against the casing.

Bee

Installing VHF

paphman

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Tim R.

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Rob19574

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Maddog

Stu Jackson

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paphman

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MrBee

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