Install VHF antenna with mast up

[Barquito]

Is is possible to install a new VHF antenna with the mast up? The previous owner just had a motor boat antenna installed on the stern. I wasn't planning on taking the mast down until haul-out next year.

[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by Barquito

Is is possible to install a new VHF antenna with the mast up? The previous owner just had a motor boat antenna installed on the stern. I wasn't planning on taking the mast down until haul-out next year.

Yes, but running the coax cable up the mast is going to suck.

[Faster]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Yes, but running the coax cable up the mast is going to suck.

Difficult but not impossible. Chances are you're going to have to make off the terminal/connector end at the mast head too (not too difficult, but everything is more challenging in a bosuns chair) otherwise you'll be drilling massive holes in the mast.

You'll have much better luck pulling the coax through with a messenger line, and if you already have internal halyards it's really going to be a challenge to avoid crossing those halyards. The other issue with doing it this way will be the difficulty in restraining the coax so it doesn't slop around and get noisy with motion, esp at anchor.

So, as SD so succinctly put it.... it's gonna suck but with patience and a bit of luck you may succeed. (and a GOOD bosuns chair or at a mast tower)

[nickmerc]

If you can wait until haulout that may be a good compromise.
________
condo Pattaya

[PorFin]

If you are willing to compromise a little, you can mount the antenna and run the coax on the outside of the mast until you bring it down next time. This will simplify your life a bit, and could be an acceptable trade off.