Replacing VHF antenna

[The lyons den]

I am replacing the antenna on my 2021 r23. I would like to make the cable connection inside the boat and wondered if anyone is familiar with wire routing before I start removing panels.

 

[Capt’nKarl]

Why do you need to replace the cable? Is the cable from the radio to the antenna broken? I’m not sure I understand what’s wrong.

 

[scross]

I had my VHF antenna snap when it hit a low hanging tree branch while towing the boat through Anacortes several years ago. Rather than replace the whole coax cable line, I put two female BNC connectors on the new antenna coax cable and the old coax just inside the cabin wall. Then connected them with a double ended male BNC connector. Worked great! And only had to take one panel of the cabin wall to do the work.

 

[The lyons den]

Thanks for that advice. I too, wanted to tuck the connection inside to avoid potential water intrusion at the splice. The new antenna comes with enough cable to potentially reach the vhf radio but after looking closer at the interior of my boat, I think I will opt for a cable connection just inside the cabin.
BTW. I caught mine on a cedar limb while transporting down my road. To add insult to injury, the municipality trimmed the branches back the following week! Haha