Vhf antenna replaced

[Firefly]

Originally Posted by SteveHall

I am using the stuff provided by Salty John -
"Top quality marine RG8X cable with two silver plated PL259 connectors - one fitted and one supplied loose."

My issue with a cable that is already done with crimped ends is I wont be able to get it though the gland on the a-frame (unless I make the hole bigger)

Sounds like you have covered the quality issue. What tests have you done on the coax?
I still think you have a coax/antenna issue. If you haven't already done it, I would recommend doing a VSWR test to see what is going on with the RF signal. This will either highlight the problem or eliminate the antenna and coax from the equation.

[SteveHall]

I don't have access to a VSWR - and they are about £100 I think - so I am going to try the new coil I have been sent first.

To test the cable all I have been able to do is check for shorts and continuity with a meter.

[Firefly]

CPC do an excellent VSWR meter for around £60. It is always useful to have one if you are into boats. The AV400 or AV200 Link: Search Results | CPC UK

Checking for continuity and shorts is a good start but there are other potential issues that theses basic test won't uncover.

Keep us posted on how you get on.