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Replacing standing rigging - advice for other jobs?

Scott SV Tengah
 

Trey,

We replaced our VHF last year and our AIS antenna on the mizzen this year. Cables replaced with both. BIG BIG difference compared to the original 12 year old antenna. The original Banten antennas on ours were "one piece" so a non-removable cable came out of the bottom of the antenna. I replaced wiring with RG-8X cables. LMR-400 would be better, but good luck fitting that in. I tried and failed but maybe it's easier if the mast is down. I actually ran new VHF cable all the way to the helm station. My AIS could "see" maybe 10 miles previously and now I've seen targets as far as 45 miles out. I'm sure my transmission has gotten a lot better, too.

I used the Shakespeare 5215 for both VHF and AIS. I know there's some line of thought that you should get an AIS specific antenna as it is tuned for the specific AIS frequencies but I wanted it to possibly function as a backup VHF antenna, if necessary. The thread fits perfectly in the hole in the mast where the old Banten antenna sat. Use self amalgamating rubber wrap and good electrical tape on the connectors. I zip tied the tape for good measure.

One silly thing that I really really love is our photosensitive anchor light. Confirm that your A54 has the same Aqua Signal housing as we do, however.

When we're anchored for a week or so, I just leave the anchor light switch on the entire time. The bulb lights up at dusk. Earlier we'd end up leaving the anchor light on if there's any chance we would be away. Sure, LEDs are supposed to last forever, but on a boat....

https://store.marinebeam.com/indexed-bayonet-tri-color-led-bulb-for-aqua-signal-series-40/

Also, our tricolor bulb was quite dim - this fixed it:

https://store.marinebeam.com/indexed-bayonet-tri-color-led-bulb-for-aqua-signal-series-40/

hope this helps!


--
Scott 
2007 A54 #69
SV Tengah
http://www.svtengah.com
Mark McGovern
 

Trey,

Congratulations on the purchase and welcome to the Amel cult family!  I'm replacing my rigging this winter as well and I am strongly considering taking the masts down to replace it so I have been giving this topic some thought.  Things I'm considering doing include:

  • Inspect/replace the halyard sheaves 
  • Servicing the Genoa Furler
  • Servicing the Forestay/Main/Mizzen Swivels
  • Replacing the Steaming Light/Deck Light
  • Inspecting/Cleaning connections on the B&G Masthead Unit 
  • Replacing cables
  • Replacing any cable ties (Amel apparently used string originally but contractors don't and UV kills them quickly)
  • Thoroughly cleaning and polishing mast and spreaders
There's a decent thread on this topic here that likely has a few more suggestions:  https://amelyachtowners.groups.io/g/main/topic/32278124#47610

--
Mark McGovern
SM #440 Cara
Deale, MD USA
Matt Salatino
 

Typically, the grounding shield corrodes, as moisture permeates the insulation. Also the end fitting that connects to the antenna at the top of the mast, corrodes.

~~~⛵️~~~Matt
Speed of Life
A50 #27

On Nov 21, 2020, at 3:52 PM, Mark Erdos <mcerdos@...> wrote:

I am replacing mine within the next couple of weeks as I replace the entire VHF.

 

Out of curiosity, what causes the VHF coax to fail?

 

 

With best regards,

 

Mark

 

Skipper

Sailing Vessel - Cream Puff - SM2K - #275

Currently cruising - Tahiti, French Polynesia

www.creampuff.us

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] On Behalf Of CW Bill Rouse
Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2020 9:13 AM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io Notification
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Replacing standing rigging - advice for other jobs?

 

Trey,

 

The VHF coax cable in the mainmast is good for 10-20 years. Maybe now is a good time. Choose a high-quality low-loss coax if you do this.

CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School

Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 

 

View My Training Calendar

 

 

On Sat, Nov 21, 2020 at 1:08 PM Trey Cobb <tcobb775@...> wrote:

Hi all,

I'm the new caretaker of Balthazar (A54-102). Due to a fracture on the main sail foil, it is being replaced and I'm taking the opportunity to also replace the original mainsail. In the process of taking down the mast, a crack was found in the original standing rigging so we've decided the timing is good to have it all replaced as well.

Since the boat is hauled out and the mast is down, are there any other preventative maintenance jobs I should consider? I am replacing the main mast sole. Anything else you wish you had done when having your own rigging replaced?

Thanks,
Trey Cobb.

CW Bill Rouse
 

Mark,

I do not know what causes the VHF coax cable failure but I suspect as in all things boating, that salt, moisture, and corrosion increase resistance in the wiring. My understanding of VHF cable failure is that it is usually a slow process and that you lose signal strength over a long period of time, probably not noticing it until it is really poor.

Bill
CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
View My Training Calendar


On Sat, Nov 21, 2020 at 3:04 PM Matt Salatino via groups.io <helmsmatt=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:
Make sure to get an antenna cable with tinned copper shielding. Non tinned shielding turns to dust in a few years.

~~~⛵️~~~Matt

On Nov 21, 2020, at 2:13 PM, CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> wrote:

Trey,

The VHF coax cable in the mainmast is good for 10-20 years. Maybe now is a good time. Choose a high-quality low-loss coax if you do this.
CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
View My Training Calendar


On Sat, Nov 21, 2020 at 1:08 PM Trey Cobb <tcobb775@...> wrote:
Hi all,

I'm the new caretaker of Balthazar (A54-102). Due to a fracture on the main sail foil, it is being replaced and I'm taking the opportunity to also replace the original mainsail. In the process of taking down the mast, a crack was found in the original standing rigging so we've decided the timing is good to have it all replaced as well.

Since the boat is hauled out and the mast is down, are there any other preventative maintenance jobs I should consider? I am replacing the main mast sole. Anything else you wish you had done when having your own rigging replaced?

Thanks,
Trey Cobb.

Matt Salatino
 

Make sure to get an antenna cable with tinned copper shielding. Non tinned shielding turns to dust in a few years.

~~~⛵️~~~Matt

On Nov 21, 2020, at 2:13 PM, CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> wrote:

Trey,

The VHF coax cable in the mainmast is good for 10-20 years. Maybe now is a good time. Choose a high-quality low-loss coax if you do this.
CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
View My Training Calendar


On Sat, Nov 21, 2020 at 1:08 PM Trey Cobb <tcobb775@...> wrote:
Hi all,

I'm the new caretaker of Balthazar (A54-102). Due to a fracture on the main sail foil, it is being replaced and I'm taking the opportunity to also replace the original mainsail. In the process of taking down the mast, a crack was found in the original standing rigging so we've decided the timing is good to have it all replaced as well.

Since the boat is hauled out and the mast is down, are there any other preventative maintenance jobs I should consider? I am replacing the main mast sole. Anything else you wish you had done when having your own rigging replaced?

Thanks,
Trey Cobb.

Mark Erdos
 

I am replacing mine within the next couple of weeks as I replace the entire VHF.

 

Out of curiosity, what causes the VHF coax to fail?

 

 

With best regards,

 

Mark

 

Skipper

Sailing Vessel - Cream Puff - SM2K - #275

Currently cruising - Tahiti, French Polynesia

www.creampuff.us

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] On Behalf Of CW Bill Rouse
Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2020 9:13 AM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io Notification
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Replacing standing rigging - advice for other jobs?

 

Trey,

 

The VHF coax cable in the mainmast is good for 10-20 years. Maybe now is a good time. Choose a high-quality low-loss coax if you do this.

CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School

Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 

 

View My Training Calendar

 

 

On Sat, Nov 21, 2020 at 1:08 PM Trey Cobb <tcobb775@...> wrote:

Hi all,

I'm the new caretaker of Balthazar (A54-102). Due to a fracture on the main sail foil, it is being replaced and I'm taking the opportunity to also replace the original mainsail. In the process of taking down the mast, a crack was found in the original standing rigging so we've decided the timing is good to have it all replaced as well.

Since the boat is hauled out and the mast is down, are there any other preventative maintenance jobs I should consider? I am replacing the main mast sole. Anything else you wish you had done when having your own rigging replaced?

Thanks,
Trey Cobb.

CW Bill Rouse
 

Trey,

The VHF coax cable in the mainmast is good for 10-20 years. Maybe now is a good time. Choose a high-quality low-loss coax if you do this.
CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
View My Training Calendar


On Sat, Nov 21, 2020 at 1:08 PM Trey Cobb <tcobb775@...> wrote:
Hi all,

I'm the new caretaker of Balthazar (A54-102). Due to a fracture on the main sail foil, it is being replaced and I'm taking the opportunity to also replace the original mainsail. In the process of taking down the mast, a crack was found in the original standing rigging so we've decided the timing is good to have it all replaced as well.

Since the boat is hauled out and the mast is down, are there any other preventative maintenance jobs I should consider? I am replacing the main mast sole. Anything else you wish you had done when having your own rigging replaced?

Thanks,
Trey Cobb.

Trey Cobb
 

Hi all,

I'm the new caretaker of Balthazar (A54-102). Due to a fracture on the main sail foil, it is being replaced and I'm taking the opportunity to also replace the original mainsail. In the process of taking down the mast, a crack was found in the original standing rigging so we've decided the timing is good to have it all replaced as well.

Since the boat is hauled out and the mast is down, are there any other preventative maintenance jobs I should consider? I am replacing the main mast sole. Anything else you wish you had done when having your own rigging replaced?

Thanks,
Trey Cobb.
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