I'm planning to relocate my VHF antenna to the masthead of my Hunter 26. In researching the cable types available, I've come across a controversy concerning RG-8U cable. West Marine says it's the best; BoatUS says its foam core can wick moisture, drastically increasing resistance. Nigel Calder says it depends on whether the foam is open-cell or closed-cell. Has anyone else looked into this? Also, since my mast is deck stepped, I'll need to drill a hole in it near the base, and so far I haven't seen a suitable grommet to protect the cable as it passes through this hole. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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RG 213 or RG8X
Short answer Tom: the RG8U spec has so many variants that RG 213 is now the cable of choice. If you want smaller diameter cable at a slightly higher loss than RG 213, try RG8X.
Short answer Tom: the RG8U spec has so many variants that RG 213 is now the cable of choice. If you want smaller diameter cable at a slightly higher loss than RG 213, try RG8X.
Weather tight grommet
West marine has a grommet that will suit your needs. I relocated the VHF whip to my mast head on my 25.5 a couple of years back. This winter I replaced the cable, and West Marine still sells the grommet.
West marine has a grommet that will suit your needs. I relocated the VHF whip to my mast head on my 25.5 a couple of years back. This winter I replaced the cable, and West Marine still sells the grommet.
RG 213
A source for RG 213 Coax is at the link below. This version appears to have solid a polyethylene dielectric which will provide superior waterproofing and a stranded conductor which is less susceptible to breakage.
A source for RG 213 Coax is at the link below. This version appears to have solid a polyethylene dielectric which will provide superior waterproofing and a stranded conductor which is less susceptible to breakage.
Thanks, all. Please be advised that...
the link Garry provides (Radioworks) has marine grade RG-213 but that's not what's on their website; the marine grade (tinned) is available by request for slightly more $ (still lots less than West Marine or BoatUS!) Again, thanks for the help.
the link Garry provides (Radioworks) has marine grade RG-213 but that's not what's on their website; the marine grade (tinned) is available by request for slightly more $ (still lots less than West Marine or BoatUS!) Again, thanks for the help.
No new hole
When I ran my coax on my H26 I did what another sailor did on his H26- I ran the coax through one of the two holes on the bottom of the mast (they are indented on bottom so the wire has room) The nice thing is that the hole is already smooth and no new hole needed. It also allows some movement and acts as a drip loop to the deck connector I have installed just to the right of the existing deck connector for the mast lights. When stepping the mast you do need to temporarily tape the coax to one side so it doesn't get squashed.
When I ran my coax on my H26 I did what another sailor did on his H26- I ran the coax through one of the two holes on the bottom of the mast (they are indented on bottom so the wire has room) The nice thing is that the hole is already smooth and no new hole needed. It also allows some movement and acts as a drip loop to the deck connector I have installed just to the right of the existing deck connector for the mast lights. When stepping the mast you do need to temporarily tape the coax to one side so it doesn't get squashed.
Moisture Seal
The weak link in the antenna system for moisture entry is the coax connector. To seal out moisture there are two products that are useful and possibly a third. Liquid electrical tape and heat shrink tubing is useful for sealing the outside of the coax connector. Because of the large connector diameter and the much smaller cable diameter it might take two different tubing sizes. Another area for moisture intrusion is at the joint between the two connectors. Suggest Silicone Dielectric Grease for all electrical connections to lock out moisture and air to provide a moisture-proof seal and prevent corrosion. However, double check this with an electronic technician so see if this is good for use on a coax antenna connection. If he says 'okay' then this is the third item. VHF antennas are a royal pain and the connectors are the main problem areas. Almost forgot, if you want to be able to take it apart again use Never-seze or Lanocote on the stainless screws that hold the antenna to the aluminum mast head.
The weak link in the antenna system for moisture entry is the coax connector. To seal out moisture there are two products that are useful and possibly a third. Liquid electrical tape and heat shrink tubing is useful for sealing the outside of the coax connector. Because of the large connector diameter and the much smaller cable diameter it might take two different tubing sizes. Another area for moisture intrusion is at the joint between the two connectors. Suggest Silicone Dielectric Grease for all electrical connections to lock out moisture and air to provide a moisture-proof seal and prevent corrosion. However, double check this with an electronic technician so see if this is good for use on a coax antenna connection. If he says 'okay' then this is the third item. VHF antennas are a royal pain and the connectors are the main problem areas. Almost forgot, if you want to be able to take it apart again use Never-seze or Lanocote on the stainless screws that hold the antenna to the aluminum mast head.
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