VHF Installation in Adventure 208

[westar]

Hi,

I just purchased a Standard Horizon fixed mount VHF radio and would like to install it in the electronics box at the helm on my 2000 Adventure 208. I am a novice when it comes to electrical work so please excuse my ignorance but I have several questions. If anyone can help, it would be greatly appreciated.

1. Do I wire the power on the VHF to an accessory switch on the helm panel? If so, how do I wire it? Is it as simple as connecting the positive and negative wires to the appropriate screws on the back of the accessory panel?

2. By placing this radio in the electronics box will it interfere with the compass (which is flush mounted less than 1 foot away)?

3. If you think there will be interference with the compass, does anyone have an alternative placement suggestion?

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Parthery]

I had a 208 and had a Std Horizon VHF and Lowrance Plotter in the box. My tips to you are:

1.) You may find it easier to remove the instrument panel and work "down" from the top to mount the radio. Access through the plexiglass door can be tough, depending on what else is in the box.

2.) If you pop off the screw caps on the switch panel, you can remove the screws and the entire panel will come off. This will enable you to do two things. First, the accessory switches can be easily reached, and you can connect the "+" lead from the radio to one of these switches, should you desire. The "-" lead goes to ground. Personal preference is to not wire the radio into one of these switches....I had mine wired that way and wound up changing it. Every now and then I would "bump" the switch without realizing it, and the radio would get turned off.

3.) With the switch panel out, its easy to get behind the washers and nuts that you will need to use for your ratchet mount, as well as to run the antenna wire. Mounting the antenna here keeps it far away from the compass, out of the way for something to break it, and if you fold it forward, an 8' antenna will just reach the bow of the boat.

4.) Under the dash you will find a fuse panel. You will also find a negative terminal block. I'd run the wires to this panel and get your power there.

Don't skimp on the antenna. A great radio can be marginalized in a hurry by a cheap antenna. Most folks around here like either the Digital 529 or the Shakespeare 5225. Expect to pay $120 or so for an 8' antenna.

 

[westar]

Thanks for the details. Great information.

If I wire it to the fuse block (not knowing what it looks like off hand) is it safe to assume there will be an "empty" terminal (or fuse) for me to connect the positive and negative wires?

I did buy a Shakespeare 8' antenna. It was on sale at WestMarine...think I paid $97 when it's normally about a buck twenty. Planning on installing it where you suggest. I'm a little nervous about drilling anything into/onto the boat but figure the best way to learn is to make (educated) mistakes. Researching things here is fantastic...a great resource. Thanks!

 

[Parthery]

There should be extra or open terminals on the fuse block. Pick up the heat shrink spade connectors (male and female in the package together) at Wal Mart or an Auto Parts store. Strip the wire, crimp on the connector, use a heat gun or bic lighter to shrink the connection.

If you bought the Shakespeare "Mariner" West Marine series antenna, go with the 8700 or 8900. The 8500 and 8300 are lower end antennas.

Are you planning to connect the GPS to the VHF to get NMEA information on the VHF?

 

[seasick]

My antenna is just forward of the fuel filler on the starboard gunwail. Get a good swivel base. I lower my antenna when storms are forecast (and my boat is docked) to reduce the chance of lightning hits. Boats at my club have been wacked in the past.
My radio is mounted under the dash below the wheel. I have a remote speaker in the elctronics box. I use the box real estate for plotter and fish finder.
Your toughest job will be running the antenna wire and conector.
You will need to drill mounting holes for the antenna bracket AND connector pass through. Seal the mounting holes and plate well with 5200 or 4200 if you prefer.
The radio should not effect the compass but twist all power wires (the neg and pos) around each other to reduce magnetic fields

 

[westar]

Thanks Seasick. Do you, by chance, have any pictures of how you mounted the VHF? What is 5200 and 4200? Obviously, a sealant of some kind but never heard of it...

Parthery...thanks for the info on the spade connectors. Will get those tonight.

Again, thank you soo much for the insights. I'd much rather do the job right the first time.

 

[seasick]

Thanks Seasick. Do you, by chance, have any pictures of how you mounted the VHF? What is 5200 and 4200? Obviously, a sealant of some kind but never heard of it...

Parthery...thanks for the info on the spade connectors. Will get those tonight.

Again, thank you soo much for the insights. I'd much rather do the job right the first time.

5200 and 4200 are adhesives made by 3M corp. 5200 is 'permanent' while 4200 is less so.
You can also use marine sealant (caulk) but I like to bed the screws in 5200 or 4200 and then bed the perimeter and base with caulk. Any marine supply store will carry these products. Home Depot carries 3M 5200 in small tubes and it is a lot less expensive than marine stores. Note that if you use 5200, it will be fairly difficult to remove the antenna mount if needed.

I can't figure how to upload a picture so send me a private message with an email address and I will send a photo. Or... someone call explain how to attach pictures.

 

[westar]

I went to the dock tonight and installed the VHF in the electronics box. Took out the instrument panel which made drilling the holes for the fixed mount much easier. Threading the power cord down to the fuse box proved to be a not-so-easy task - tight spaces but I was able to get the power cord through. I'm was able to make the connection to the fuse box to test and make sure the power works and check compass interference. Power is working and no compass problems. So, on the way home I went and bought some spade connectors and have some heat shrink so the next time I can make it to the boat (one night after work), I'll finish wiring power to the fuse box and mount the antenna.

Threading the coax up into the electronics box is going to be tough as coming down from the box to the fuse panel wasn't easy. However, so far, it's looking good. Thanks for the help everyone...couldn't have done it without you (and my trusty LED headlamp!).

 

[seasick]

A word of caution. Don't key the mike ( try to transmit) without the antenna connected. That can fry some radios.

 

[Parthery]

This was my 208....with the antenna mounted to the side of the walkaround....might help you out as you plan your installation.
And I had no trouble with either my GPS or VHF being mounted next to each other....

 

[westar]

Thanks. I marked where I was going to put the antenna mount. I think mine will be about where your GPS antenna was located. Also, because I have a bimini, the antenna is probably going to have to rotate and "lay down" towards the stern...not the bow. It's not ideal but the bimini poles are in the way.

One project at a time...still have to get a GPS and plumb the livewell. Can't believe the original owner of the boat didn't pay a little extra for the livewell option...that one is going to be fairly expensive and there is no way I am drilling a hole in the side of the boat!

 

[Parthery]

I had no trouble raising the bimini with the antenna where it was. I actually preferred to lower it forward, as it was out of the way. I could climb into the boat and not worry about breaking it.

Post pics of the rig....we all love boat porn here :mrgreen:

 

[seasick]

As I mentioned, mine is mounted on the gunwail just forward of the fuel filler. In that position it doesn't get in the way of the Bimini or canvas and when swung down (forward), it lays on the gunwail and not across the forward deck. It also nestles under the railing out of the way.
The down side is that running the cable is a bit trickier.

 

[westar]

I'll definitely post pics as soon as I can. Good to hear the antenna laid down nicely. I'll mess around a bit with it before I drill the holes. As for mounting it on the gunwail....will check that out too. Will have to see where the coax would come though into the helm area...sounds more complicated but might be a viable option. Thanks for the suggestion.

Bidding on an old handheld GPS on eBay as we speak so this Monday (when I take a VERY rare day off work) I can go further than 5 miles offshore and fish a few numbers off Sarasota. The handheld will suffice until I can effectively convince the admiral we "need" the Garmin 441s. Can't wait! Thanks again for your help.