VHF and Antenna Install 26M

[Dogginit]

Once the weather warms up a bit I am planning on installing new Horizon VHF radio and mast-top antenna. Many aspects of the upcoming install horrify me (drilling through the deck, finding a passage for wires back to battery, routing the co-axe cable, cutting into the interior of my completely UNMODIFIED baby. Any advice is appreciated.

[NiceAft]

The first time you drill/cut holes in your boat is both a nervous and freeing experience.

You will be getting information from both board members and research you undoubtably will do. This is not as complicated as you may believe.

Have you checked the mods section? Here are some postings in that section. I’m sure there are more.

https://macgregorsailors.com/mods/index ... =item&id=8

https://macgregorsailors.com/mods/index ... =item&id=7

[C Buchs]

I need to fix some of the coaxial cable on mine this year. I have this https://macgregorsailors.com/forum/view ... 2&start=30 thread bookmarked because it's full of good information. You should check it out.

Jeff

[Be Free]

The first hole is always the hardest

I don't know, but I would assume that the cabin liner in an "M" is not radically different than it is in my "X". I was able to run my coax by pulling the plugs that cover the bolts for the stanchions. Another member had suggested using a pull string tied to a washer that you could move through the space between the liner and the cabin top with a strong magnet. If I had to do it again I'd give that a try.

I can't remember if it was on this forum or another but the recommendation to use a solid core rather than a foam core coax was discussed. Solid core is definitely the way to go. It's a little stiffer but it won't absorb moisture and short out like a foam core might do.