[nccouple]

Being a new boat owner, I'm running a series of new threads here. Have yet another question. My old vhf antenna is mounted in a place where everyone who comes aboard grabs it for stability. Its leaving splinters in everyone's hand. Its still working great and I have a nice hand held back up. Antenna replacement is on the list but its closer to the bottom of the list. What's a good fix until I can get a replacement. Was considering putting on a clear coat paint or maybe just wrapping it with elec tape. Thoughts, ideas?

 

[benesailor]

Wrap it with white elec tape until you replace.

 

[Alex W]

When you do replace it I would recommend a 1 meter antenna at the top of the mast. That gets you the best reception/range, doesn't clutter up your stern pulpit, and will work better when heeled then the taller VHF antenna that you likely have now.

 

[mitchbrown]

if your looking for a low cost fix that will last for years. try putting a thick coat of latex outdoor paint on it.

 

[desert rat]

Repair it the same way you would any other fiberglass on the boat. Prep, prime, and
whatever kind of pant suits you best.

 

[capta]

Or polyester resin.

 

[Bene505]

All of the above, but get some white electrical tape on it right away. Those splinters are nasty and canbother a guest for hours, souring their saililng experience.

For the electrical tape, start at the bottom and wrap your way up. That way the tape will sit like shingles on a roof, shedding water away from the antenna. (Not that it matters, but if you are going to do something, why not give it a free feature, and it's a good habit to get into. I wrapped my long range WiFi Bullet2HP the same way.)

Regards,
Brad

 

[RichH]

Sand it, paint it, let fully cure and (wet)sand again to remove those splinters still sticking through the first coat of paint, then paint again.

All you need is a spray can or two of a polyurethane paint.

 

[hopcar]

First mount a real hand hold near the antenna so people will stop grabbing it.

I don't like the electric tape idea as the adhesive will migrate out pretty quick and you'll have a sticky antenna.

I had a similar problem with a push pole. I coated it with epoxy resin and painted it. The resin makes the slivers stiff enough to sand off then the paint protects it.

 

[eherlihy]

You can find 4' lengths of adhesive lined heat shrink tubing at many electronics distributors. Here is an example; Heatshrink.com : Sumitomo O2B2 - 4Ft. Sticks (note that the minimum through them is 4 - but you can shop for this yourself).

Pick a color, pick an appropriate size, and order it. After the install, you can tell guests not to grab the (your color here) antenna.

 

[Brent Swain]

Paint it black to stop the penetration of UV. Any new white one should also be painted black, to drastically reduce UV penetration. It will last far longer that way.