Worn Antenna

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geehaw

geehaw

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May 15, 2010
231
O-day 25 shoal keel Valdez
The coating on my vhf antenna is gone on it. When you touch it you get fiberglass in your hand. Can this be re coated? And if so with what? Right now it is mounted on the stern rail it really is in the way when fishing. Can this same 8'(?) antenna be mounted at the masthead or do you usually mount shorter ones?
 
Bill Roosa

Bill Roosa

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Jun 6, 2006
6,990
currently boatless wishing Harrington Harbor North, MD
Antennas and RF grounds

You can apply a thin coat of epoxy to get rid of the fuzzys.
How is the antenna grounded now. Most VHF antennas are built so all you have to do is ground them to the metal they are mounted on. That works becasue they are pretty high (wavelenght wise) above the water. HF can't work like that because they have MUCH longer wavelength and interact with the water.
If you have a model number or picture that would be helpful
 
Ron20324

Ron20324

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Jan 22, 2008
8,050
Beneteau 323 Annapolis MD
How about heat-shrink tubing. Also there is a rubber paint you could coat it with. The kind you coat pliers handles with..
 
Chuckbear

Chuckbear

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Jan 3, 2009
821
Marine Trader 34 Where Ever I am
Lightly sand it and paint it whatever color you like with a good quality paint so it will last a while. Chuck
 
Allan12210

Allan12210

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Jan 22, 2008
1,702
Hunter 34 Alameda CA
I used some white heat shrink on my Loran antenna. It only lasted a couple of years before it cracked. I then switched to the thicker split plastic tubing used to cover the shrouds. That was good for at least 5 years.
 
higgs

higgs

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Aug 24, 2005
3,736
Nassau 34 Olcott, NY
I would mount a Metz or something similar on the mast head if that is practical for you. It will greatly increase your range and get the antenna out of the way.
 
kenn

kenn

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Apr 18, 2009
1,271
CL Sandpiper 565 Toronto
Tim R. said:
I like this one. Pick a cool color.

No need to replace if it still works fine.
Click to expand
As Allan has already mentioned, heatshrink wouldn't last. It gets brittle when exposed to the elements.

If the only problem with the antenna is the fiberglass "fuzzies", and it still functions properly, the best fix would be light sanding and two or three coats of clear epoxy.
 
S

sandpiper10471

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May 31, 2007
784
Hunter 37 cutter Blind River
Kenn - epoxy breaks down under the influence of UV. Covering with epoxy is fine but that too must be covered, making it an unnecessary step.
 
Ron20324

Ron20324

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Jan 22, 2008
8,050
Beneteau 323 Annapolis MD
Maybe the thick liquid rope-whipping stuff? Should be good in UV, and flexible.
 
M

Mike B1026

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Jun 17, 2007
402
MacGregor Mac26S Victoria Tx
Metz

A Metz came with my boat. It was probably over 15 years old. The top plastic cap became cracked from UV. I called them up and they said to send it to them and they would test it, then fix it or replaced it. (Lifetime Warranty).

I told them that it had come with the boat and I wasn't the original purchaser. They said no problem. A week or so later, a brand new antenna showed up.

Impressive company.

higgs said:
I would mount a Metz or something similar on the mast head if that is practical for you. It will greatly increase your range and get the antenna out of the way.
Click to expand
 
kenn

kenn

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Apr 18, 2009
1,271
CL Sandpiper 565 Toronto
sandpiper10471 said:
Kenn - epoxy breaks down under the influence of UV. Covering with epoxy is fine but that too must be covered, making it an unnecessary step.
Click to expand
You are entirely correct. :redface:

So, nix the epoxy. The best choice would be a good 2-part clear finish
 
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