[TowerTalk] How close to salt water is close enough?

[Mickey Baker]

Oops, signature line didn't attach to my previous post.

Mickey N4MB

On May 17, 2013, at 11:33 AM, Mickey Baker <fishflorida at gmail.com> wrote:

> Look at my QTH location if you wish. My antennas are all 10-20m from salt water, humidity is high and the temperatures are warm.
> 
> Except for critical structural pieces, all connecting hardware is stainless steel. You're correct in that aluminum will oxidize quickly, but structural integrity typically lasts many years.
> 
> Be sure that you use good hardware - nuts, bolts, hose clamps, periodically liberally spray with a corrosion preventer like Corrosion-X, T-50 or similar, use an anti-galling compound on all threads and you'll see about 80% of the service life you see inland.
> 
> There's a cost for living on the water with a beautiful view and great grounding... But it isn't crazy expensive in terms of antenna life.
> 
> Mickey
> 
> On May 17, 2013, at 11:17 AM, "Mike & Coreen Smith VE9AA" <ve9aa at nbnet.nb.ca> wrote:
> 
>> 
>> 
>> Wife and I are looking at waterfront properties in VE1/9/VY2/VO1/2.  Ideally
>> I would like to locate my antennas inland (in the trees)
>> 
>> a little ways to (hopefully?) minimize(??) salt water corrosion and/or
>> 'potential' problems from neighbours.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> If I was to locate a yagi up 40' of tower, (or say a Butternut vertical 10'
>> agl) or even a 6m yagi on a short tower inland does it matter?
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Let's say the rocky land itself was 20' ASL and 400-500' away from shore, is
>> there any benefit seen in being "close" to salt water or is all the benefit
>> (whatever that may be) seen only if the salt water is nearly underneath the
>> antenna?
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Currently, I work all bands from 160m thru 6m.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Comments on corrosion prevention appreciated also.  I've always lived inland
>> and my only experience with salt water was 3 weeks in 1996 as CY0AA, in
>> which the salt air corroded all of our aluminum antennas making them look
>> very old.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Thanks much, 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Mike VE9AA
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Mike, Coreen & Corey
>> 
>> Keswick Ridge, NB
>> 
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>> 
>> 
>> 
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