I am looking for advice and input about replacing my old VHF antenna and line. I have experienced intermitten signal break-up (and have others tell me that I was doing the same). With that issue at the forefront, I replaced the radio (expensive, but my first thought). Well, I now think that the antenna and coax cable and connectors may all be original equipment. Therefore, I may have 1) a loose connector at the top 2) a bad antenna 3) corrosion on any or all parts up there 4) frayed coax inside the mast. Given any and all possibilities, I thought I would just purchase a new antenna, the necessary connectors and new coax. Then, I would have the marina where it is stored for the winter install the new equipment to the radio. I just got an estimate for the work at almost $600.00 - with me furnishing all the parts! On the estimate, they propose to unstep and restep the mast and to spend 6 hours installing. On my mast, the wire comes out of the mast prior to the foot. Does anyone know IF the mast HAS to be unstepped? Also, they told me the six hours was because the old line could not be used to lead the new one thru, as the old one is either a) impacted by styrofoam that will not allow another one to be fed thru; or 2) fastened within the mast by ties that will not allow the old one to be pulled thru. Is all this right? Does anyone know of another way? When the boat is concerned, I usually don't get "hung up" on price, but I thought these numbers were way off -- or am I? Thanks for your thoughts, ideas and help!!
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DIY.
Your quote makes me glad I pulled the stick this past Fall. A few days before the Spring launch they will put the mast where I can work on it for a few days and replace the coax myself. On my H37C with the Kenyon mast the wiring is all within a channel behind the sail track. And it's tied in there. The only way is to slide out the sailtrack and snip the ties. The question about whether your coax is anchored in there is why I do my own work. You could learn that easily. Someone on HOW here will give you the straight skinny. I would recommend paying them to unstep and put the mast where you can work on it. It is not difficult to rewire. My plan is to do the electrical at the same time since it costs a $100. each time they step or unstep.
Your quote makes me glad I pulled the stick this past Fall. A few days before the Spring launch they will put the mast where I can work on it for a few days and replace the coax myself. On my H37C with the Kenyon mast the wiring is all within a channel behind the sail track. And it's tied in there. The only way is to slide out the sailtrack and snip the ties. The question about whether your coax is anchored in there is why I do my own work. You could learn that easily. Someone on HOW here will give you the straight skinny. I would recommend paying them to unstep and put the mast where you can work on it. It is not difficult to rewire. My plan is to do the electrical at the same time since it costs a $100. each time they step or unstep.
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coaxial routing
My H33 has a deck stepped mast like the H27 so the photo may be of some help. On the H33, all of the wiring is contained within a pvc conduit which in turn is riveted to the mast. The wiring itself is free within the conduit. I have just rewired my mast and it was a straightforward thing to use the existing wiring as a lead in for new wiring.
My H33 has a deck stepped mast like the H27 so the photo may be of some help. On the H33, all of the wiring is contained within a pvc conduit which in turn is riveted to the mast. The wiring itself is free within the conduit. I have just rewired my mast and it was a straightforward thing to use the existing wiring as a lead in for new wiring.
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Unstep with one helper
You can unstep the mast with the mast crane available in most marina's, and one helper. The first time you do it, find an experienced helper. I learned by helping someone else step his mast, and my wife and I have unstepped (and restepped) our '77 h27 mast twice (it's required for haul-out at our marina.) It takes a little over 2 hours both ways. David Lady Lillie
You can unstep the mast with the mast crane available in most marina's, and one helper. The first time you do it, find an experienced helper. I learned by helping someone else step his mast, and my wife and I have unstepped (and restepped) our '77 h27 mast twice (it's required for haul-out at our marina.) It takes a little over 2 hours both ways. David Lady Lillie
Interesting comments.....
Ed, I recognize the exact location of the photo you sent! I, too, would replace all electrical, IF I elect to do the whole thing with unstepping and stepping the mast. The mast that I have, appears to have the sleeve in it and the wiring (near the foot) seems to not be attached anywhere. Even if it is, does anyone know if there is enough room to run the new line thru, IF I elect to leave the old one inside? If so, has anyone done this without dropping the mast? Thanks, guys, for the input.
Ed, I recognize the exact location of the photo you sent! I, too, would replace all electrical, IF I elect to do the whole thing with unstepping and stepping the mast. The mast that I have, appears to have the sleeve in it and the wiring (near the foot) seems to not be attached anywhere. Even if it is, does anyone know if there is enough room to run the new line thru, IF I elect to leave the old one inside? If so, has anyone done this without dropping the mast? Thanks, guys, for the input.
New antenna lead
Did mine much as Bob did his about five years ago with a few differences.Mr coax had broke and dropped inside so for several years had a rail mount,then the anchor light did the same so was time to do it right. I used a 2" hole saw to make access just above step on starboard side then formed 6061-T6 cover secured with 8 no. 6 flat head machine screws. Dropped weighted fish line from top,pulled new coax and wires for anchor,deck flood,and steaming light.These were bundled together as Bob did with 4 bundle ties x shaped every two feet[had second fish line at steam-flood light hole to pull it out there. Secured it top with loop to take weight off connection and has been fine ever since[no rattle at anchor].If yours has channel or conduit-sorry for wasting your time.
Did mine much as Bob did his about five years ago with a few differences.Mr coax had broke and dropped inside so for several years had a rail mount,then the anchor light did the same so was time to do it right. I used a 2" hole saw to make access just above step on starboard side then formed 6061-T6 cover secured with 8 no. 6 flat head machine screws. Dropped weighted fish line from top,pulled new coax and wires for anchor,deck flood,and steaming light.These were bundled together as Bob did with 4 bundle ties x shaped every two feet[had second fish line at steam-flood light hole to pull it out there. Secured it top with loop to take weight off connection and has been fine ever since[no rattle at anchor].If yours has channel or conduit-sorry for wasting your time.
Good Info, More Questions....
Interesting to read Karl and Bob's comments about having done it yourselves. A few questions: Did you find the old coax was attached inside the mast? If so, is there room to run the new down beside it? Are you both referring to a "free run" on the coax or is it in a smaller sleeve inside the mast? Thanks to all for your thoughts and comments!!
Interesting to read Karl and Bob's comments about having done it yourselves. A few questions: Did you find the old coax was attached inside the mast? If so, is there room to run the new down beside it? Are you both referring to a "free run" on the coax or is it in a smaller sleeve inside the mast? Thanks to all for your thoughts and comments!!
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