Posted by Peter Schäfer (petersch@…>)
Tom,
I had a SSB antenna on my F33 cat ketch running from the toerail to the top
of the mizzen. To my opinion there are two considerations not to be
neglected.
-
put in about 2-3ft of elastic shock cord between the top of the mizzen
and the antenna to allow for mast bending. Electrically the antenna should
not get too close to the mizzen cause carbon fiber is a conductor that will
influence the radiation of the antenna. You can connect the top of the
antenna(shock cord) via a small crane or an elastic rope between the masts
in order to keep it away from the mizzen. -
the foot of the antenna should be situated about 2ft forward of the
mizzen so the mizzen boom and sail can be let out all the way while running.
After all this was an issue on my boat because it had the wraparaound sails
and wishbone boom, which could point well forward of the mizzen mast.
On the other hand the foot of the antenna should not be too far forward to
keep it free from the main boom and sheets. You see it has to be
compromised!
Hope this helps,
Regards, Peter