181bonded fittings, securing them with a hose
clamp or other suitable mechanical fastener,
such as a stainless steel bolt and washer (if the
fitting has a drilled and tapped hole).
Caution: When tying in the copper tape,
avoid creating a likely scenario for galvanic
corrosion(see Chapter 11). For example, never
attach copper tape to an unbonded through-
hull fitting. If any of the other through-hulls are
bonded (as they should be), the fittings will have
different ground potentials. Also, never connect
copper tape directly to an aluminum or steel
hull. The dissimilarity between the two different
metals will create a focal point for galvanic cor-
rosion. Remember, all that is needed to induce
current flow is a difference in potential from one
point to another and an electrolyte.
As you look for places to tie in, keep in mind
that the counterpoise will be most effective if it
is located directly below the antenna or the
coaxial cable and antennasterminalbackstay
insulatorinsulated
leadThe lower (left) and upper (right) connections for a backstay antenna. The insulator blocks are connected to the rod-type
rigging with swageless fittings. A rigger needs to splice in these insulators at both ends. Depending on the boat’s rigging
type, there are various methods of splicing these insulators. Two older methods included simple ceramic insulators, with the
wire rope of the stay looped through a thimble and nicopressed in place; and swaged end fittings used with cotter pins.
insulatorback-
stayVHF
antennacell
phone
antenna
SSB
whip
antennaloran
antennasA typical powerboat whip antenna is shown far right.
These need to be at least 23 feet long. The wire lead from
the antenna tuner to the attachment point on the antenna
counts as part of the antenna’s total length.