Bonehead move...forgot to lower antenna...hit bridge....grrrr....repair???

[Julian]

OK you smart peeps out there, this bonehead forgot to lower his new antenna and went under a bridge and cracked the very tip off (like the last 2 inches....perhaps less). The element inside is undamaged, and from everything I've read online, the fiberglass is just the support for the wire, so if you use something non-metal, one can simply repair the tip. The easiest solution would simply be a rubber cap of some sort.....any ideas on this?

Should I just bit the bullet and pay $65+tax and get a new one and chaulk it up to experience....or attempt to repair it?

 

[bronze_10]

Uhhhh... Jet boat fleet admirals don't have half ass broken crap on their boat! Just saying... Leave that to us lowly capts.

 

[Julian]

Or do Fleet Admirals show their mod/fixing prowess and GitRDun without throwing something perfectly fixable out? Making @Geoff Cooper proud?

 

[swatski]

OK you smart peeps out there, this bonehead forgot to lower his new antenna and went under a bridge and cracked the very tip off (like the last 2 inches....perhaps less). The element inside is undamaged, and from everything I've read online, the fiberglass is just the support for the wire, so if you use something non-metal, one can simply repair the tip. The easiest solution would simply be a rubber cap of some sort.....any ideas on this?

Should I just bit the bullet and pay $65+tax and get a new one and chaulk it up to experience....or attempt to repair it?

I think I would try to fix it, otherwise you will need to run the cable all the way to the radio again - major PIA I would think.
Unless you have the fancy connector - if it exists - I would like to know if you do - I may want to upgrade to that!

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[swatski]

@Julian and next time - just use this trick, lol.

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[Sbrown]

Should be a simple fix with any clear two part epoxy, imho

 

[zipper]

Is this the quick disconnect antenna/mount from Shakespeare you posted about putting on? I may have a 4' spare if I can find it. I paid for one and they shipped two. It is for VHF and white. I will look for it.

Oh BTW pictures help.

Edit: Found it, could be a cheap alternative for you @JulianPM me if interested.

 

[Beachbummer]

How long is the piece that broke off? Maybe a piece of clear tubing and cap from hardware store will work? I have a 3D printer, some hose and printed cap come to mind if you can't find a matching cap for the tubing you use. If the repair can be done such that looks decent enough to not make you mad when you look at it, I would certainly attempt it. If it looks good, you can pass it as a customization instead of a repair!!!

 

[Bluewater272]

I think I would try to fix it, otherwise you will need to run the cable all the way to the radio again - major PIA I would think.
Unless you have the fancy connector - if it exists - I would like to know if you do - I may want to upgrade to that!

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The fancy connector is nice. Just unscrew the antenna right off and stow in the ski locker.

 

[swatski]

The fancy connector is nice. Just unscrew the antenna right off and stow in the ski locker.

Do you guys have a link, please. i'm not finding it...
I would like one!

EDIT - link to something members here have used, that works.

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[zipper]

@swatski Here you go, http://shakespeare-ce.com/marine/product/qc-4-quickconnect-vhf-antenna/
And the mount http://shakespeare-ce.com/marine/product/qcm-s-ratchet-mount/ can be purchased thru West and Hodges Marines etc. This is what I use for my VHF. Tower mounted with Krypt Towers speaker clamps. https://www.krypt-towers.com/extra-large-wakeboard-tower-speaker-clamp-3-2-7-8-or-2-3-4/

 

[Ilmmct]

Sorry this happened ... but this is oddly comforting. The flag officers do make mistakes ... fellow swabbies take note! Come on @Julian ... please use some of my FAVs duct tape or crazy glue and post a pic.

 

[swatski]

@swatski Here you go, http://shakespeare-ce.com/marine/product/qc-4-quickconnect-vhf-antenna/
And the mount http://shakespeare-ce.com/marine/product/qcm-s-ratchet-mount/ can be purchased thru West and Hodges Marines etc. This is what I use for my VHF. Tower mounted with Krypt Towers speaker clamps. https://www.krypt-towers.com/extra-large-wakeboard-tower-speaker-clamp-3-2-7-8-or-2-3-4/
View attachment 73714

Thank you.
Are those quick connect mounts a (fairly) new product?
I feel I've been sheltered...

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[bronze_10]

I kinda wish my antenna would break now..

 

[veedubtek]

That one maybe, but definitely not new. I had a removable one on my 242 for the 2015 Bimini run. I had a Pacific Aerials P6101 w/ a P6115 mount on the front of the helm. @biffdotorg has it now, and the antenna is still probably stowed in the helm storage. Only ever had it on for the Bimini trip.

 

[Gray]

Very clean installation. What was the process for running the antenna cable through the tower?

 

[J-RAD]

@Julian I say cap it and leave it shorter, that way you'll clear the same bridge the next time you leave it up...

 

[zipper]

Thank you.
Are those quick connect mounts a (fairly) new product?
I feel I've been sheltered...

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"Fairly new" is subjective. I have been using mine for 2 years. One of the first mods. I put on the boat after we got it.

 

[Bluewater272]

Do you guys have a link, please. i'm not finding it...
I would like one!

EDIT - link to something members here have used, that works.

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@Mainah gets the credit for the discovery. I followed his install and shopping list almost to a T, works great.
https://jetboaters.net/threads/my-trip-down-the-vhf-antenna-rabbit-hole.16678/

 

[zipper]

Very clean installation. What was the process for running the antenna cable through the tower?

"You talkin to me?" Thanks. Talk a little about it here. https://jetboaters.net/threads/2007-ar230-how-to-run-wire-in-tower.4207/page-2#post-187266 The cables are visible in two places, first where they enter at the mount and at the transition between upper and lower tower. They both exit the forward tower base and into the lockers on port and starboard.