Running Wires Down the Mast

[Tom Root]

Tony, Others may want to place a VHF antenna on top of the mast also. This is the optimum location for it anyway. VHF carrier waves are line of sight generally speaking, the higher up it goes, the better the reception, and to a lesser extent transmission.

[Paul S]

That was my #1 concern with out boat, after hearing about the foam here...I insisted that there be a channel in the mast before I took delivery. (No idea if it was done..haven't checked)

See if your dealer will swap out the mast for one that has a channel. Newer Mac masts are supposed to have a channel.

Paul

It is amazing what a week does. As most of us know..our boat DID NOT come with a channel, and it is a fairly late build (Jan 04).

Want to put the VHF and anchor light up there, and for any possible future use.

Still no news on if it will be provided in the future.

Paul

[Paul S]

My method is FAR easier - let the dealer do it, since it is in our sales contract.

Paul

[Phil Marriott]

Having met my local (ie Australian) Dealer, here's what he does to run the mast wires:

He has assembled a long piece of conduit (presumably the narrow electrical stuff), and attached a wood drill bit to one end. He then turns the conduit as he bores the length of the mast.

Sounds like a practical idea, and reasonably inexpensive.

cheers
Phil.