Running VHF Cable Thru a Radar Arch - The Hull Truth

Ellie's Navi Gator · 04-29-2005, 08:54 AM

I've never had to run cables through my radar arch before as this is the first thing I'm replacing since buying the boat. Does anyone have any advise on the best way to run the cable through the radar arch? The old cable is still in it - should I somehow try to tape it to that? I'm just not sure that the hole in the arch is large enough to support two cables coming through together. I probably shouldn't cut the hole any larger, should I? Then, I'd get water leakage into the arch that would trickle down to where the wiring is in the gunnel.

Any pointers would be appreciated.

swamppro · 04-29-2005, 09:22 AM

If its too small to get the other coax taped on tape on a small line for a messenger first then use that to pull it through. Just make sure you tape it on real strong. If you lose it ouch!

diverdor · 04-29-2005, 11:02 AM

Simple trick that electricians use. At the hole you wish the wire to come out of attach a shop vac - makeshift rig with duct tape works. At the end that the wire starts from use a mouse on a string. A few cotton balls tied to 15lb test mono works well. Suck the "mouse" thru the tube and pull thru a heavy line once the mono is thru. If there are other holes in the arch simply tape them over temporarily so that you have decent suction from point A to point B. I have seen line drawn almost 100 feet this way.

Birdman · 04-29-2005, 02:59 PM

A method I used on mine was this: I simply ran a snake wire (available at Home depot in the electronics dept for $20) from one end of the arch and out the other end (port to starboard). Yes, all the way from one side to the other side. Then, I taped a peice of mono (about 40' of it, A BIG PEICE) to the end of the snake wire and pulled the snake back out. Now remove the mono from the snake and now you have a mono line run thru the entire arch. Now, drill a small properly (1/4" or so) hole where you want a wire to come out (VHF wire....?). Now, with a straightened out paper clip bent into a small 1/8" hook on one side, stick it in the hole, and try to hook the mono which passes by. When you get the hook around the mono, pull it out the hole. Now you can either attach a cable to the mono and pull out either end of the arch, or, attach the cable at the bottom of the arch and pull it out the hole with the mono.

Now you see why it is important to use a LONG peice of mono. You want a long enough peice you can pull it out in either direction without loosing it on the other end. When done, leave the mono in there, you WILL need it later. (taken from sopmeboy who just replaced the GPS reciever in my radar arch....)

First Light · 04-29-2005, 06:29 PM

Quote:

diverdor - attach a shop vac - makeshift rig with duct tape works. At the end that the wire starts from use a mouse on a string. A few cotton balls tied to 15lb test mono works well. Suck the "mouse" thru the tube and pull thru a heavy line once the mono is thru. If there are other holes in the arch simply tape them over temporarily so that you have decent suction from point A to point B. I have seen line drawn almost 100 feet this way.

Weird trick dude. But I'll bet it works.

Latitude 13.5 brrrrrrrrrr

Ellie's Navi Gator · 04-29-2005, 10:39 PM

Thanks for all the help guys. The cable actually ran through that radar arch easier than I could ever imagine. I figured I'd give it one quick try to push it through with no tying anything on to see what happened and that thing went through like it knew where it was going. When I ran it under the deck to the center console, it took a little more times, but I still never had to tie anything off to it and was able to push it through. I never thought it would be that easy - I'm never that lucky with the boat. I'm sure glad the antenna broke and I changed it though. The old cable was spliced in about 4 different spots. I'm sure that was't good for the reception. Now, I'm wired direct with no splices and only about 1 ft of excess cable.

Bokat · 04-29-2005, 11:04 PM

I can vouch for the shop vac trick. I used it for all the wiring in my hard top. I'm going to have to use it again as I am re-mounting a GPS antenna up top. It works great, but I use a small piece of foam rubber on the end, same results.

rwidman · 05-02-2005, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Bokat - 4/29/2005 11:04 PM

I can vouch for the shop vac trick. ................. It works great, but I use a small piece of foam rubber on the end, same results.

I did it for several years as part of my job. You can buy the foam plug (yes, it's called a "mouse") at any electrical supply house.