Submerged mast by 30’ - change antenna cable & antenna?

[BoatBumm]

Through stupidity on my part, my mast fell off my boat into about 30’ of fresh water. I’m arranging to have it lifted. Do I need to replace the VHF antenna cable and the antenna itself? I suspect so to avoid shorts inside the cable. Any advice appreciated.

[wholybee]

Probably not the antenna, assuming the cable was connected to it and properly weatherproofed. But all wires need to be replaced. Not only the coax, but wires to lights etc. will need to be replaced as well.

[Ryban]

How much rice do you have?

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by wholybee

Probably not the antenna, assuming the cable was connected to it and properly weatherproofed. But all wires need to be replaced. Not only the coax, but wires to lights etc. will need to be replaced as well.

In fresh water, why do you say that? If one can blow some dry air through the mast for a while,what damage will remain?

Jim

[capt jgw]

Well not near as bad as salt water, but still a "maybe". Coax really doesn't like getting wet, regular wires not as much. I'd definitely replace the coax and test the lights before restepping the mast. If they still work maybe not replace. But I lower my mast every winter so at most I'd be out one season without the lights.

[wholybee]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

In fresh water, why do you say that? If one can blow some dry air through the mast for a while,what damage will remain?

Jim

Because I have to assume that water has entered the coax and other wires. Particularly the end at the bottom of the mast that is not connected to anything and has no weatherproofing on it. Water will wick up the cable, and there is no way that I know of to extract that and dry under the insulation. It might mostly work for a while, but will ultimately corrode, even with fresh water. Same with wires for the lights. You can test them and they will probably work, but will fail prematurely.

[Jim Cate]

^^^

Well, OK, replacement isn't too expensive and is the conservative thing to do, and sitting 30 feet deep offers some pressure differential to expedite intrusion.

I guess I'd say replace as you suggest.

Jim