Running a cable up in the arch

Bayrunner

I think I may have to replace my marine band radio antenna. How would I run the cable from the helm up to the top of the arch. 

DanD2

Not sure which boat you have but, on my 342 I took out the icemaker (real easy to do), Stbd arch speaker and stbd spreader light. This gave me access to run wires. Looking up to the arch from where the icemaker was, you can see access into the arch. I then used my extension pole to lay wires to the helm. Removing the switches on the dash I was able to reach in and grab the wires.
Make sure you run at least 1 additional wire.....that can be your chase/snake wire for additions later on.

randy56

If you buy a splice kit you do not have to run new cable, just replace antenna, and splice, there are only 4 screws that hold the cover plates/ lights, in the arch, access there cut and splice cable, if you wish to replace the cable, cut the old cable and use it to pull the new one, and as DanD2 mentioned, additional wire would be helpfull in the future, there should be an access round under the throttle, and under the seat is one also. Frig will need to be pulled, the hole that is drilled where all wires go into arch is not very big maybe 1 inch, wires kinda hang up in the turn there.  The pull will need a hand there.  You do not have enough room to leave the end that plugs into radio.  On my boat anyway. There is allready TV,  arch light wires and anchor light wires there. 10-4 good buddy

Liberty44140

Very easy to remove that fridge, just pull the screws and out it comes. Careful putting back in, I broke the water line going in to the sink because I wasn't paying attention. Added a trip to the hardware store! 

Bayrunner

Here is a picture of the area I believe you are talking about. I don't have an ice maker just a fridge.

Michael T

@DanD2...super advice to run a future "fish" wire!!!!

Bayrunner

Thanks everyone for the advise.  Lets hope I don't have to replace it.

NavyCTRC

Bayrunner,

Splicing the VHF antenna is a professional level job, I tried it when I forgot the antenna was up and broke it.  I thought I could just splice the wire to save from the hassle of running a new one.  So I bought a brand new antenna and cut the wire off it..spliced in the old wire and it worked for about two days.  Don't waste the money on a new antenna and cut the perfectly good wire off that comes with it.  That was about $100 bucks down the drain.