bluezeb

Thanks vic008 - just called them again and Margaret was very useful - seems that have 8mm (5/16 in), so I'm sorted. much appreciated.

Thanks - just called them. Looks like they have 6mm pipe, else larger diameter (10mm) clear hose, but that wouldn't be rigid enough to rotate, so possibly more friction?

The anti-chafing covers on my 7mm shrouds are perished and need replacing. Am thinking of getting some 15mm pvc pipe from Bunnings, cutting a split in it and just pressing it on in 2 1.2m lengths so that inspection is still easy. The anti-chafing boots at the terminal end on the deck are fine, so it's just for the wire. 15mm pipe is bigger than I need but I don't see smaller diameter pipe online. Anyone got a better budget solution? Thanks

Thanks for the replies. I'll get up the mast and see if I can install LMR400 (lowest loss), else LMR195 looks like a good option and one source is here:- http://qsl.net/zl1boi/itemslist.html Will also check with Island Time when I know what thickness I'm after.

Thanks Eric. Yep, I came across that useful article - and he opted for low loss coax with non tinned core, and tinned braid. 50 ohm is the correct impedance for marine vhf. But he did identify a more expensive option with tinned core and braid which is what I am trying to source. Else, I'll go for low loss too and let the corrosion be a future issue.

My vhf coax cable looks original on a 1980 boat (9.6m boat , so only need about 20 metres of cable, and the shield is corroded RG58(?) cable. Any suggestions for where can I get marine grade coaxial cable (tinned core and shield) and suitable corrosion resistant connectors. Google not particularly helpful. jaycar don't provide specs for their cable. I'll get the heavier RG213 if I have enough room in the mast to get it through, else probably the thinner RG58 -or possibly the lower loss LM400 if I can get marine grade. Planning to run it through in one piece and get connectors in case I need t