290 Amberjack needs new VHF Antenna... Cable connection Question

[bpro]

Question in regards to my VHF Antenna

I need change out my antenna on my 29 Amberjack. The antenna is mounted to the arch. I am not near my boat right now but do recall observing that the antenna cable is only 6-8 inches long and screws into the top of the arch.

My question is if anyone has ever changed out an antenna on a 290 amberjack and if you can describe if the VHF radio connection is right on the top of the arch or if I need to fish a new cable through the arch and either splice into the existing cable or run it the radio?

 

[bpro]

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee114/brandon95yj/arch_zps24908dd2.jpg

 

[AJSB]

bpro,

I changed out the antenna on my 2000 290AJ last year. The antenna cable passes through a watertight cable outlet (Shakespeare #4184) on top of the arch and continues through the arch and down a leg, ultimately passing thru and ending beneath the helm. On mine, it is connected into a VHF/FM splitter (Shakespeare #4357) and feeds both the stereo and the VHF. Access to the cable routing is helped by removing the helm seat stereo speaker (hint: tape the speaker wire to the side of the boat so you don't drop it back into the cut-out). If yours is connected the same, I'd suggest disconnecting at the radio or splitter, remove any fittings and connect weed wacker line to the cable. You should be able to pull the cable back through the arch bringing the weed wacker line with it to use as a fish to pull the new cable. Good luck with the project...

 

[magstang1]

My 290DA is the same as was just described. It took me about an hour to an hour and a half with a beer or two mixed in.