Broken antenna mount

[Keith7481]

I'm getting ready to replace a broken VHF antenna mount, pretty traditional 2 1/2 by 3 9/16 plate with a rachet mount for the antenna. I've tried to unscrew the four bolts and they will turn but not come out. I was expecting these would be tapping screws put in through a drilled hole. Now I'm wondering, since they don't turn out, are they possibly bolts with nuts turning? I've looked on the other side and that section of the hull is taken up by a plastic box that contains the VHF on a mounting door that pulls open. I briefly tried to take the box out, but its in pretty tight and would like to avoid busting it up, especially if the antenna mount is just screws that are turning but not having enough friction to turn out. I noticed the mount is also held by some type of glue/sealant that I'm guessing would hold it in place, even without the screws/bolts. So, which is more likely on the antenna mount, bolts hidden behind the vhf box, or screws that are just being stubborn?
Keith

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Broken antenna mount

Something like that really should be through-bolted, so that would be what I'd assume.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Broken antenna mount

Roger that, and yes it sounds like a pain to get at them, those mount screws are probably through bolts spinning. There's a ton of force on that mount with the antenna up, you need to get at it before it starts breaking the gel coat.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Broken antenna mount

sounds like it is time to get the dremel tool out and cut an access hole thru the plastic box.....

 

[Boatist]

Re: Broken antenna mount

Assuming it a standard 8 foot antenna I would not mount anytime with screws. It needs to be thru bolted with a backing plate or at least very large washers. There must be a way to get to the underside.

Just wonder is the old mount one of the white nylon mounts which will break after a number of years out in the sun.

If it the chrome over brass of the stainless steel mount and it broke then it should tell you how much strain in on that mount.
I can tell you in the open ocean there is a lot of strain.

Inland it is usually when you forget to put it down and antenna hits a tree or something.

 

[Pirate_40]

Re: Broken antenna mount

The bolts are spinning because they are secured with lock nuts. It's a two man job, one guy inside the boat (with skinny arms) to hold a wrench on the nuts, and the other guy outside. Do yourself a favor and use a #3 philips not your typical #2. Less chance of stripping the head.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Broken antenna mount

If I were installing a mount for an eight foot antenna, I would use bolts, a backing plate or fender washers, and lock washers and nuts or self locking nuts. So - you will have to find access to the back somehow. The person who installed it did.

Depending on the damage to the original mount, you may be able to just use pieces from the new mount to repair the original and save yourself the trouble of removing and replacing it.

 

[Keith7481]

Re: Broken antenna mount

Thanks for all the replies/suggestions. This is the white nylon mount, and far as I can tell is not fixable. The only piece left of it, that is attached to the boat, is the flat mount, all of the connecting parts are still attached to the antenna, which I have secured to one of the side anchors. So, I either take it off, I'm going to have to buy a dremel to cut out the back of the box, or... leave the old one one and put the new one on above or below the original which would look crappie . Thanks again.
Keith

 

[gdombroski]

Re: Broken antenna mount

Don't have the same boat but mine broke in the same way. To get at it I had to take out (unscrew) a down stairs ceiling piece, about 2' x 4" right below where it mounted to get at it. Look around in your cabin for removable wall ceiling pieces. You should not have to dremel anything to replace it but you will need 2 people to undo it and redo the new one.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Broken antenna mount

Thanks for all the replies/suggestions. This is the white nylon mount, and far as I can tell is not fixable. The only piece left of it, that is attached to the boat, is the flat mount, all of the connecting parts are still attached to the antenna, which I have secured to one of the side anchors. So, I either take it off, I'm going to have to buy a dremel to cut out the back of the box, or... leave the old one one and put the new one on above or below the original which would look crappie . Thanks again.
Keith

Consider a stainless steel mount for a replacement. It should outlast the boat.

You shouldn't have to cut anything for access. Get someone else to help you figure out how to access the nuts. You may be overlooking something.

 

[mpsyamaha]

Re: Broken antenna mount

Consider a stainless steel mount for a replacement. It should outlast the boat.

You shouldn't have to cut anything for access. Get someone else to help you figure out how to access the nuts. You may be overlooking something.

I agree ^

stainless mounts are worth the money, and im sure there is a way to access the lock nuts. its not always easy, but ill bet there is a way.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Broken antenna mount

Hopefully the nuts are stainless, I had a problem with some trim pieces that had plain old zinc hardware, ended using a dremmel to grind the heads off.