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GPS Antenna Installation: 3 questions

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kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/21/2006 : 19:08:27

I am installing a flush mount GPS with a remote antenna in my C250. I am going to mount the external antenna on the center railing above the gas tank. I am thinking of running the wire down the railing (with zip ties), down the starboard side of the gas tank enclosure (on the outside) and then straight down through the deck into the battery (aft) compartment, and from there up to the cabin to the GPS.

I have three questions. First, I would like comments on the routing. The external antenna and the location is a given, I have decided on these. But I am curious how others might choose to get the anteanna wire from outside the boat to the aft compartment.

Second, I am curious what sealant or other method you would use to go through the deck. I was thinking of using a rubber grommet type thing, then a liberal application of silicone sealant.

Third, when running wire down the outside of a fiberglass surface, how would you attach the wire to the surface?

I have never done a job like this, any advice would be very helpful.

Thanks,

Kevin Mackenzie
Former Association Secretary and Commodore
"Dogs Allowed"
'06 C250WK #881
and
"Jasmine"
'01 Maine Cat 30 #34

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 06/21/2006 : 19:21:10

Kevin,
we mounted out gps antenna on the Stbd side just fwd of the step on the gunwhale. Works a treat, might save you a lot of wire routing. The antenna works great and is protected pretty well from fumbling feet.
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Paul

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StSimon
Captain

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USA
298 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2006 : 11:02:56

I have the exact GPS antenna and mount as Paul. We mounted the base to the port side and slightly forward of the mast. A small hole was drilled in the roof for the wire. Once in I sealed the hole around the wire with 4200 and sealed the mount and screw holes with 4200 as well. The GPS is mounted on a swing arm in the companionway. I can use it inside for the anchor drag alarm or rotate it 180 degrees to see it from the cockpit. The antenna wire runs over the head against the bulkhead to the starboard side where it goes into the dead spaces behind the settee, then aft to the GPS. Nice clean setup.

Good luck with yours.

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Bubba
Admiral

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USA
542 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2006 : 19:12:14

Kevin,
My fuel locker had a hole in the bottom of it when I bought the boat used. Someone - I believe it was actually the dealer - routed the electrical cables from the outboard down through one corner of the fuel locker to the battery below and sort of sealed the hole with silicone sealant.

Many will tell you not to go drilling holes in the bottom of your fuel locker. If fuel ever leaked, it would end up below. If you still want to do it, here's a suggestion:

I installed a merlon thru-hull fitting where the hole was in the corner of my fuel locker. The flush (outer) end of the thru-hull is on the under side of the deck, the pipe sticks up from the floor of the fuel locker. I clamped a short piece of clear hose to it and routed the wires through it. Then I kinked the hose and folded the top half over next to the bottom half (wires and all) and clamped it with a couple of plastic cable ties. Water or fuel would have to rise higher than the drains and even the vent before getting to the top of the thru-hull.

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kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2006 : 00:46:12

Thanks Bubba, but I did not mean to give the impression I was going to drill ANY holes in the fuel locker. The antenna line would go down the OUTSIDE of the locker. I am not sure how I would attach it, probably epoxy some starboard or something to the locker, and then put screws for cable clamps in that. I really don't know a good way to do it, advice would be appreciated.

I appreciate the advice from folks on other antenna locations, but the stern is really where I want it. Anyplace else looks like an invitation to the thing getting kicked. Others have succeeded with the other locations, but they don't have a klutz like me aboard all the time... ;-)

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britinusa
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5404 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2006 : 06:33:23

Kevin, Peggy keeps accusing me of acrobatics and after every trip (pun intended) she claims I need better boat shoes! That's why I put the antenna beneath the stbd guardrail, it's well proteced from getting stepped,roped,leaned,kicked, etc.

Paul.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.