[TowerTalk] Best tower for salt environment

[K7LXC at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/16/2006 8:06:19 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
towertalk-request at contesting.com writes:

>  I am working on a project that involves building a station  near salt water
in the Caribbean.  The idea of a crankup has been  tossed around, but I'm
wondering how well the mechanics would hold up over  time.


    Uhh, poorly? Too many exposed mechanical parts  including the haul 
cables. 

>  Using Rohn 45 is certainly an  option, but I'm assuming it would need to be
painted every year or two to  keep it in check.  I've also tossed the idea of
using a self supporter  around.



        If you're really worried  about it, talk to a commercial coatings 
professional. Commercial towers that  have lost their galvanizing are sometimes 
epoxied for an additional coating. The  prep is tedious as well as applying the 
epoxy but it does do a good job of  sealing the outside steel surface. This 
goes for either a guyed or  self-supporting tower. 
 
Cheers,
Steve     K7LXC
TOWER TECH -
Professional tower services for hams
Cell: 206-890-4188