VHF Antennae Wiring (1994 Hunter 26)

[jao1972]

In addition to my mast lowering problem, the masthead light and vhf radio antennae wiring were severed at the gin pole hole. Instead of splicing, I think this is going to be a good opportunity to replace the wiring.

As I understand, multiple splices in vhf coax reduce the strength of the radio signal. As the pictures below show, the vhf coax coming out of the mast connects via a PL-259 connector and short length of coax to a different plug mounted to the deck. Does anyone know what kind of deck connector that is? I would like to bypass the PL-259 splice and connect directly to this deck plug.

Also, has anyone had any luck pulling a coax wire through the mast with the connector already attached? I will find out soon enough myself, but thought I would ask those with experience.

Lastly, since I will be rewiring the masthead light and vhf coax, any thoughts or lessons-learned from already having done this will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks again!

Joe

 

[Don12364]

Though the important part is in shadow, what I see from your photo is a simple deck gland rather than a plug.
PL259s are not waterproof so the cable WILL deteriorate in each direction for yards each side of the joint and surely fail or become intermittent.
This applies equally to the connection to the antenna at the masthead and is the reason why many antennas come with the cable permanently attached. Is yours a marine antenna at all? I suggest opening this joint also and looking to see how corroded the innards of the plug and particularly the cable's outer braid is. If it looks okay then use self amalgamating tape, well stretched, to make a hermetic seal over the whole connector. i.e. from cable to cable.
You could also do this at deck level but, as stepping and unstepping the mast is an infrequent operation, when you replace the VHF mast cable you might think about having the PL259 joiner below deck where it will be protected from the weather and with the mast cable coming through this gland.
This will depend on whether, after the gland is dismantled, the VHF plug will pass through it and the hole in the deck.
On my boat I bought a gland where it does which is why I am recommending this approach.
I am mindful that the VHF night be the only way to let others know you are in trouble so I rate the reliability needed as of the highest order.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Your deck "plug" looks like a simple gland and not a connection. If you are doing the rewire you have some options on VHF connectors. The antenna will no doubt be either a hard wired (preferred for weather proof seal) or the PL259. The bottom end can be upgraded to an "N" type connector which is weather proof. You will have to by and install both male and female ends.
Alternately just shrink wrap the entire connection to make them weather proof.

 

[jao1972]

I was curious if that was a gland connector. After posting this, I did a little more research and found that. The plan forward is to winter the boat on the trailer, so we will be lowering and raising the mast twice a year. I will investigate the deck gland and hopefully can make the connection below deck. Heat shrinking above the deck is an option, but might be troublesome with raising and lowering the mast.

I am curious how much space is below deck to coil excess wire and the connection. Someone responded to another post of mine that the space can be accessed through the interior cabin light. I ideally would like to push the 12"+ above deck now below and connect new mast wires there.

I have not thought about the antennae. I will take a look at it. This the first time we have ever had the mast down and been able to get a good look at it. If it still looks good, I will be heat shrinking that plug to antennae connection. VHF reception on this boat has never been great. When the line was cut, I was struck by how small the vhf coax coming out of the mast is. I am hoping that upgrading this line to a RG-213 will improve radio performance.

Bill, you mentioned a "n" type connector. I researched this, but was only able to find an elbow connection. It did not appear to be waterproof. Do you mind giving me some direction on where to find this connector?

Once again, many thanks for all the great support here!

 

[Bill Roosa]

try googling "ham radio n connector" The ham radio stores carry them and they are 50 ohm and weather proof. also you will see links on how to install them
Good luck

 

[jao1972]

Found it. Thanks!