vHF connector at mast corrosion

[MarkWorsnop]

The radio antenna cable comes out of the deck at the mast step and has a has a typical rg59 connector. The cable however seems to have fallen apart in the sun. I am now ready to replace the wire but now I am wondering if having a connector at the base of the mast is such good idea? Not sure what else I could do, so thought I would ask here.

[AlaskaMan]

I have the same set up and haven't had any corrosion or wire breakdown issues. I purchased from West Marine the Shakespeare RG59 connectors (WM # 1196591), the coaxial comes thru the deck using the Blue Seas clamclam thru deck fitting (WM# 540732. I also give my boat a good fresh water wash down after a day of sailing so perhaps that's why I've not had any problems.
Good Luck!

[dlandersson]

I've got a 97 26X with the same setup.

I replaced the connecter and used some WD40 - no problems so far.

I just purchased a 1997 26x and slowly going through it getting everything updated before summer. The radio antenna cable comes out of the deck at the mast step and has a has a typical rg59 connector. The cable however seems to have fallen apart in the sun. I am now ready to replace the wire but now I am wondering if having a connector at the base of the mast is such good idea? Not sure what else I could do, so thought I would ask here. How do you keep the connectors from corroiding? Would it be better to continue the wire to the mast as coil it up at the base when the mast is up? In the past I have always had larger boats where the mast was always up so not sure what to do on smaller boats. Thanks for any advice!

[Russ]

CorrosionX is a great product. I use it a lot thanks to (Divecox) improving my tool kit.

[MarkWorsnop]

It's been such a long time since I have had a boat and took this long for my old brain to remember what I used to do. I used to use Silicone Dielectric Grease. Worked great everywhere. the boats in the past were in the water and close to a marine store. I am now well inland and do all shopping online so need to find the silicone and get it ordered.

Thanks for the replies!

[raycarlson]

dielectric grease is what sould be rubbed on all your elec connections. any auto parts store will carry it.napa,autozone,oriellys etc.....

[Hamin' X]

Just be aware that all dielectric grease is not created equal. Most of it is not rated for RF, but just used on automotive type connectors and what works on CB radios, might not work at VHF frequencies. I would recommend that you get friendly with a local cable installer, cell tower tech, or find a good radio shop (not Radio Shack). What I use on mountaintop tower installations is the industry standard:

Stuf Dielectric Waterproof Grease



This is just an example and not the supplier that I use.

~Rich

[Divecoz]

Interesting ...after you mentioned it anyway.. I recall that on-board ships ( I never worked on them some others Electricians I hung out with did..) They mentioned something about just that..we were working on Harley Electrics and one fellow ( Communications Specialist?)pulled out a " Special" tube of No/Ox.. he worked at Bath Iron / Ship Yards.. IIRC and I MIGHT NOT? the big difference was The Good stuff lacked Graphite as a filler?

Just be aware that all dielectric grease is not created equal. Most of it is not rated for RF, but just used on automotive type connectors and what works on CB radios, might not work at VHF frequencies. I would recommend that you get friendly with a local cable installer, cell tower tech, or find a good radio shop (not Radio Shack). What I use on mountaintop tower installations is the industry standard:

Stuf Dielectric Waterproof Grease



This is just an example and not the supplier that I use.

~Rich

[Hamin' X]

Some greases use zinc, others copper. Some just break down at higher frequencies. Some are meant to conduct heat to heatsinks. Some are designed to waterproof connections and others are meant to prevent galvanic action between dissimilar metals. Pick your poison. For RF connectors I use the right "STUF".

~Rich

[RobertB]

I would suggest trying Boeshield T9 - this was formulated for aircraft in naval environments - recommended for marine use also including electrical uses http://boeshield.com/features-benefits/marine/

I have been using it for years on auto components (keeps aluminium engine blocks from corroding) and use it on the boat and trailer.

[Hamin' X]

I would suggest trying Boeshield T9

I wonder what the RF breakdown and insertion loss chart looks like for this product? Oops, there isn't any such chart, because it is not rated for RF connectors. Kinda like running Wesson oil in your 2 smoker. Sorry, I don't mean to seem uncharitable, as there are times that product substitutions work and make sense. But to me, this isn't one of them. The right product is inexpensive and might save your life.

~Rich

[Catigale]

Kinda like running Wesson oil in your 2 smoker

Thanks for the tip...might be even cheaper than bacon grease......

[raycarlson]

dielectric grease defineatly has no graphite or any other metalic material in it. it is clear and 99% silicon,strickly to seal surfaces from oxidzing

[RobertB]

I wonder what the RF breakdown and insertion loss chart looks like for this product? Oops, there isn't any such chart, because it is not rated for RF connectors. Kinda like running Wesson oil in your 2 smoker. Sorry, I don't mean to seem uncharitable, as there are times that product substitutions work and make sense. But to me, this isn't one of them. The right product is inexpensive and might save your life.

Wow - we are talking about a connector that is exposed to salt water, boat cleaners, waxes, fish guts, bird poo, and what not. You really think a light oil/wax coating is going to be a threat to human life Keep in mind this was designed by the Boeing company to protect all components on naval aircraft exposed to the elements - not just structure but electrical and hydraulic connections - anything accessible say in an open landing gear bay. If it passed those qualification tests, I am pretty confident that it is not going to sink a sailboat.

UPDATE: As a matter of fact, a quick internet search found at least one marine RF equipment manufacturer recommending Boeshield T-9 for protecting RF connections ( ThunderBird SSAS Ship Security Alert System product support manual http://www.altronic.com/techdocs/Corros ... Manual.pdf).

[Hamin' X]

If your radio does not work when you need to call mayday for yourself, or someone else, I would call that life threatening. Big difference between RF and electrical. Do as you will.

~Rich