IP Rated VHF Coaxial Deck Plug and Socket

[Deleted member 36384]

I wish to install a connector for the VHF antenna at deck level. This VTronix Coaxial Deck Plug and Socket is fairly common but its not IP rated so I guess it will just cause issues with water ingress over time. Are there better types designed to an IP rating?

 

[pvb]

I'd rather take the cable through a gland and have a plug and socket immediately below. Something like this one.

 

[VicS]

I've had a V-tronix plug and socket in use for getting on for 30 years no problem. Admittedly not sailed offshore

The boat I crewed for even longer, and that has been well used offshore.

You could look at the Driplug coaxial plug and socket as an alternative. All Driplugs, I believe, are tested to IP68, but I have no qualms about the V-tronix one

I disconnect and lower the mast without fail every winter
I lightly grease the cable with silicone grease so that the "boot" slides up and down easily and also to repel water.

I have kept the plastic caps to fit on both parts when the mast is down .

 

[NB Willawaw]

Depending on how much water you are going to ship across the deck, I would look at the Index Marine range. If you really want a decent IP rating, I would probably join the connectors inside an IP rated junction box on the mast and then run the cable through the deck on one of their SE side entry connectors.

I wish to install a connector for the VHF antenna at deck level. This VTronix Coaxial Deck Plug and Socket is fairly common but its not IP rated so I guess it will just cause issues with water ingress over time. Are there better types designed to an IP rating?

 

[maxi77]

Bulgin do suitable units in both 50 and 75 ohm versions. I think there is also a Driplug version too but my preference is for Bulgin Buccaneer, As an alternative there are also deck glands that will allow a coax connector through allowing the disconnect to be below deck

 

[Deleted member 36384]

Thanks for the replies. I now have options for my problem: the removal of the PL259 plug from the cable every time I have to take the mast down. The current cable gland doesn't allow the connector to fit through it (and the deck hole is too small. So I can either use a waterproof connector or the gland with the space to pull the connector through.

All are very helpful responses indeed.

Thanks,

BlowingOldBoots

 

[Graham_Wright]

Bulgin do suitable units in both 50 and 75 ohm versions. I think there is also a Driplug version too but my preference is for Bulgin Buccaneer, As an alternative there are also deck glands that will allow a coax connector through allowing the disconnect to be below deck

Bulgin is best! IP68.

But better to take the connector below so that you don't trip over it. A deck gland such as the FlatGland could save your toes!

 

[ianfr]

I use one of these for all connections. http://www.saltyjohn.co.uk/cableport_boat_product.htm

So far has been totally waterproof.

The cables just feed through to a junction box, the VHF aerial goes straight to the set with no breaks. I installed some tiny trunking round the side of the boat, so removing the cable is a matter of less than a minute.

No connection apart from being a happy customer.

Regards

Ian

 

[gasdave]

I use one of these for all connections. http://www.saltyjohn.co.uk/cableport_boat_product.htm

So far has been totally waterproof.

The cables just feed through to a junction box, the VHF aerial goes straight to the set with no breaks. I installed some tiny trunking round the side of the boat, so removing the cable is a matter of less than a minute.

No connection apart from being a happy customer.

Regards

Ian

+1
I have a very similar system using the Cableport except my coaxial cable has a connection just inside the deck head - all very dry.
This system also provides better flexibility should you ever wish to run more cables inside - there is plenty of room in the Cableport, so only one hole is required in the deck.

 

[Deleted member 36384]

This cable port looks like a good idea. When I remove the mast I have to dismantle, clean and rebuild the multi cable gland box. This is OK to do but it is a bit tedious and the packing is getting a bit old and worn out now, becoming stiff and less resilient.

The cable port relies on the internal upset to keep the water out similar to a Dorade vent so I assume it stays dry even when a big hosing from a bow slap is blown over the deck.

Lots of other good stuff on SaltyJohns web site too.

Once again many thanks.

BlowingOldBoots

 

[rob2]

I rather liked the idea of a swan neck on deck with a connector below (or similar dorade design). I believe people also stuff sponge up the swan neck to stop solid water from flowing freely. To improve access through the deck, why not take off the PL259 (UHF) connectors and use 50 ohm BNC types?

Rob.