Installing the BlueBoat Antenna and Accessory Mast

The BlueBoat Antenna and Accessory Mast raises the height of the antenna to improve line of sight and increase range by up to 2 times. It can also be used to mount accessories like weather stations or other payloads.

This guide will show you how to install it on the BlueBoat.

Choosing a Mounting Location

The Antenna and Accessory Mast can be installed on any of the BlueBoat’s frame bracket mounting holes.

• To mount the BlueBoat or cellular antenna, use the mounting location closest to the antenna connector.
• Use the outer mounting holes (green arrows) to allow the mast to fold down completely.
• The inner mounting holes (orange arrows) are also compatible, but note that the mast will interfere with the hatch latches when folded down.

Parts and Tools for Installation

In addition to the antenna mast kit, you will need the following for installation:

• 3 mm hex tool
• 4 mm hex tool
• 5 mm hex tool

Installation

The steps to install the Antenna and Accessory Mast are the same whether you are mounting an antenna or a different type of accessory. If you’re not mounting an antenna, just skip the antenna-specific steps/parts.

Make sure the BlueBoat is completely powered off before installation.

1. Use a 4 mm hex to remove the screws holding the antenna guard, then unscrew the antenna from the connector.

• Skip this step if you’re not mounting an antenna.
• The antenna guard is not needed when using the Antenna Mast.

2. Use the included M6x12 screws and a 5 mm hex to secure the mast base to the BlueBoat frame.

• Use the outer mounting holes closest to the antenna connector.
• The threaded shaft should point away from the center of the boat.

3. Install the swivel base on the mast base and secure it with the wing nut.

4. Feed the antenna cable through the center of the mast pole.

5. Apply a generous amount of the included Molykote 111 grease to the outer threads of the straight (non-angled) antenna cable connector. Save some grease for the other antenna connector on the BlueBoat.

6. Screw the antenna you removed earlier onto the straight connector end of the antenna cable.

7. Push the antenna into the holder until it’s snug, and orient it so it can fold through the slot in the holder.

8. Use two M4x14 screws and a 3 mm hex to attach the antenna holder to the top of the mast pole. Pull on it slightly to ensure it is attached to the pole securely.

9. Insert the other end of the mast pole into the swivel base, making sure the antenna cable passes through the slot.

10. Use the remaining two M4x14 screws to secure the mast pole in the swivel base. Pull on it slightly to ensure it is attached in the base securely.

• Orient the mast so the antenna folds inward toward the center of the boat.

11. Apply a generous amount of Molykote 111 grease to the outer threads of the BlueBoat antenna connector.

12. Connect the 90-degree end of the antenna cable to the BlueBoat antenna connector.

That’s it!

Folding the Mast

To fold the mast, loosen the wing nut, fold the mast down, and re-tighten the wing nut.

• The position of the mast can be adjusted from 0° to 180° in 22.5° increments.
• The antenna in the holder can also be folded inward for storage.