Stay simple; shouldn't be a big problem...
Hi, Jose... Is the boat a sloop? Will you be using an automatic or manual tuner? And how new is the radio you'll be using? Modern SSBs are pretty forgiving re: ground plane - e.g. I recently pulled out my old 4" copper foil that connected the tuner to my ballast keel and have yet to finish running the new foil, yet I continue to get good signal reports. Were I doing this on a sloop, where setting up a temporary HF antenna is quite easy, I'd do the following: 1. Definitely include a tuner - if manual such as MFG, you'll need it at the radio; otherwise mount an auto-tuner somewhere aft where the antenna wire can be connected. 2. Hoist (or seize in place at the masthead) rubber-insulated copper wire using some small stuff to break any electrical path, running from the transom area to the masthead and outboard/aft of the main's topping lift. (If it's a sloop this will be easy). 3. Run copper foil down the length of the boat from the tuner, up against the hull and as far forward from the tuner's location as you can get it. (This assumes it's a fairly modern SSB). 4. I would directly wire the radio to the house bank, fusing both wires. I would avoid being tempted to tie it in locally somewhere because I'd want to avoid that rf running all over the electrical system. Don't forget that you may be introducing some surprising issues to the crew when using the SSB (e.g. altering course being steered by the autopilot). A good sea trial would be a prudent idea. Good luck! Jack
