CONTINUOUSWAVE

Q1: what is the correct routing for the coaxial transmission line for a VHF Marine Band antenna mounted on the roof of a T-Top on a 2026 210 MONTAUK be routed to the VHF radio mounted in the center console using the tube frame of the T-top as a wiring conduit?

I understand how to get the [antenna] cable into the tubing, but I am unsure how the [coaxial ]cable exits at the base where the hardtop tubing is mounted to the deck. When I reach underneath that area, I cannot feel an opening or chase for the cable to pass through.

Q2: does the T-top frame tubing need to be loosened or shifted slightly by removing the mounting screws in order to run the antenna cable?

Q3: is there an access point or opening that I may be missing?

Q4; does a rigging diagram exist?

Q5: is there a service procedure?

Any guidance will be appreciated.

--Chip Motley

cmotley wrote:Q3: is there an access point or opening that I may be missing?

You may be able get a HINT for the wiring path by locating the electrical wiring that powers the white all-round lamp that is mounted to the T-top roof. That lamp must have an electrical cable that runs to the center console to provide 12-Volt power. The antenna cable could follow the same path.

Refer to page 4-6 in the owner's manual and drawing 4.6.1. This is a schematic diagram that shows the white all-round lamp on the T-top being connected to wires 3003B and 3004B. If you can locate those wires you will be able to discover the route they take to the roof of the T-top.

Refer to page 4-8 in the owner's manual and drawing 4.8.1. This is a schematic diagram that show there is considerable 12-Volt power wiring being run to the T-Top.

On page 2-11 of the owner's manual in Figure 2.11.1, a VHF antenna is shown mounted to the roof of the T-Top.

Also, since you have a new, current model Boston Whaler boat, I suggest you contact Boston Whaler customer service and ask for their advice, or contact the authorized dealer from whom you purchased the boat and ask their technicians for advice.

BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOME
When the boat was build and being rigging at the factory, a cord MAY HAVE BEEN left in place in the tubing of the hardtop support to facilitate installing future wiring to the hardtop roof. If this cord exists, you should be able to find the ends of it, either in the overhead compartment or near the center console.

ASIDE
I looked for drawings and illustrations related to the 2026 210 MONTAUK on WHALER.COM, hoping to see the usual ten or twenty structural details of the hull and attached accessories. Instead I found only a copy of the owner's manual and a three-page specification sheet. I searched the owner's manual for any mention of "radio." There I found this sentence:

VHF-FM channel 16 and SSB 2182 kHz are designated for emergency use.

While the frequency 2,182-kHz is designated as a distress calling channel, the U.S. Coast Guard radio service has not been monitoring that frequency for distress calls since 2013. Also, it would be extraordinarily rare for a 21-foot open boat to have a medium-frequency single-sideband marine radio installation.

On my 190 Montauk [the wiring path to a hard top to a radio antenna mounted on the hard top] is through the starboard side attachment of the [hard] top to the [center] console. [On a ] 210 Montauk [the wiring path] should be the same.

NorthShoreWhaler wrote:On my 190 Montauk [the wiring path to a hard top to a radio antenna mounted on the hard top] is through the starboard side attachment of the [hard] top to the [center] console. [On a ] 210 Montauk [the wiring path] should be the same.

Northshorewhaler, is that the exact path your radio antenna cable takes?

I'm trying to confirm that the cable goes straight into the console rather than routing down to the deck floor first. I still haven't found where the anchor light wire enters the center console on my 210, so I actually just bought an endoscope to help me trace it.

I contacted the factory, but they just referred me to the dealer—who offered to look at it for a fee, of course. Not exactly the help I was hoping for!

BTW, this is not a actual picture of my boat. I do not have a vhf antenna.

Yes that looks correct. Next time i’m on my boat I’ll take a picture. I had the VHF and antenna installed last year at the Boston Whaler dealer.