Accessing Chase for New antenna Wire on 20SF

[Rybones]

I'm looking to install a new VHF antenna on my 20 SF. The boat is almost completely all original. There had been one previously mounted and the old Mount & clamshell through the cap are still there however the wiring is long since gone. I like the existing mounting location about 10in forward of the aft end of the port side fishing rod storage compartment, so I can drop the line down into that and then feed it back to the chase for the for the fuel line, however I don't know how to turn it to the port side chase that runs fore and aft with an opening just under the port side of the console. I can't seem to get the fish tape to turn that corner. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

(I have attached an image of someones 1973 20SF without the liner and deck just to show the chases that I am talking about, however, my boat is complete and original)

[hobiekanobie]

Hey Rybones!
2 ways I do it when I have to run wires up a tower or from console to hardtop if snake will not do the trick
1) take a piece of fishing line and tie it to a ball of paper towel or to a ball of blue tape and use a vacuum at the other end and try and suck it through... if the tape ball is too small, the vacuum won’t suck it through and if it is too big or tight then it will struggle... ball size is key
2) I bought some magnets from Home Depot, one set is small about 5 in total and have a hole in the middle, tie a piece of fishing line through it and then I have a much bigger magnet that I cover with electrical tape so that I don’t scratch the aluminum or deck and use that along the route to try and pull the smaller magnets through the chase I am after.
Patience is key.
Hope this helps,
Feel free to call me if you need more explanation...

[Rybones]

Thanks Shane, unfortunately the vacuum trick didn't work even with a high power shop vac, too much other stuff in the chase and it is by no means air tight, just some potter putty in spots up top as sealant. So, I went the long route down the side between the hull and liner back to the aft entrance to the chase and then forward to the console and had just enough coaxial to get it done. FYI I needed the full 20' the antenna came with to do it that way. Where are you at on your boat? Working on it or running it or both?

[hobiekanobie]

Hey Bud,
She is still running, actually, I needed the trailer to put a 23ft welcraft on to rewire so she is sitting on a lift right now. Leaving everything the way it is until it becomes apparent that I will need to break down and redo some of the previous issues. Hopefully that will line up one winter when wearing a dust suit will not be like a big sweat box! Let me know if you need anything or have any questions about wiring your boat.