Running wire through the cabin to the mast

[GeorgeH]

I have a CD 28 and need to replace the coaxial wire to the mast antenna. I opened the cover plate to the mast wires on the cabin headliner and can't figure out how the wires run to the cover plate. I can see how to get new wires to the forward bulkhead but can't figure out how to get them to the middle of the headliner. Is it possible the wires are run under the molding on the bulkhead door up to the headliner?

[Jerry Hammernik]

I tried for a long time to fish wires through from the electrical panel to the base of the mast. I think they were put in as the boat was being built. I ran them around behind the lower part of the liner in the area of the shelves. Seemed the only workable option. I'm in the process of doing the same thing with a new cable for the VHF antenna. There is no good way to get the last two feet to the cover plate. You can build a teak trim piece to cover them but getting between the deck and the liner is not workable on my 28.

[GeorgeH]

Thanks For the input Jerry. I am coming to the same conclusion. I was mislead by the fact that the radio was purchased in 2001 or so, and now suspect the antenna wire might be from the original radio and not the later replacement.
George

[Astronomertoo]

RF is very picky about shielding and corrosion. I would like to recommend anyone replacing their VHF radio antenna coax to read up on the cable requirements for choices in cables and connectors and what happens to the radio output/reflected actual power at the antenna if using the low price cables and connectors. If you use the old smaller cable with lower shielding rating, compared to the better, larger diameter cable with larger center conductor and higher % copper shielding, there is factor of nearly 50% power up at the antenna. Even worse, using low quality RF connectors without the soldered shield is like throwing output power away. If you ever needed to call for help at a distance, it might make a significant difference. And ask about the recommended method of water proofing for those joints.
If you are not knowledgeable I recommend you contact a local expert and get their advice on the best cable and connectors and how to solder the ground braids at all mating connectors, to get as much power as possible at the radiating element. As much trouble as it is to get the cable up to our mastheads, it would be a shame to pull low grade cable which will only allow radiating 15-18 watts on a good day.