[midnightsailor]

I am wondering what choices I might have for installing an SSB antennae system om my Freedom 33 Cat Ketch, which because of the freestanding carbon fiber spars has no standing rigging ,not to mention no backstay. I do have running backs for the staysail but they are just temporary and connected by a tackle.

 

[hellosailor]

Old thread at freedomyachts.org ?
FreedomYachts.org ? View topic - SSB wire Antenna - mast flex

 

[denverd0n]

I'd say you have two choices:

1. A vertical whip antenna mounted somewhere, probably the stern.
2. An "alternate backstay" antenna.

See this thread for more info: http://www.sailnet.com/forums/electronics/68128-ssb-antenna.html

 

[svHyLyte]

Absent a back-stay one can also use a "Rope Antenna". That coupled with a KISS-SSB ground plane cable from your tuner would make for an easy but effect system.

 

[SVAuspicious]

Two choices leap to mind: 1. a fiberglass whip on the stern (usually 23' long) or 2. an alternate backstay like that sold by John Gregory as the Rope Antenna. Building your own of the latter isn't too hard -- just strip the core from the cover of some double-braid and fish some stranded wire through. Top and bottom connections are left as an exercise for the student. *grin* Make sure there is a good bit of elasticity to keep the antenna from taking any structural load underway.

 

[SVAuspicious]

Darn -- took too long to respond. *grin* Good news - you're getting the same answers from everyone. That doesn't happen very often. We must be slipping.

 

[midnightsailor]

Thanks all for presenting me with some good choikces , now todecide on which ! But exploring the options is always fun.