SSB Installation

[Jereth13]

Trying to get an idea of what the average cost to install a SSB radio would be.
Installing on a 48ft monohull sailboat.

[El Pinguino]

You don't say where you are but this would be a starting point....
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[Jereth13]

I am on the west coast of the USA. I am trying to find the install price, not the equipment price. I know this is varied, just trying to get an idea. If someone already has all the equipment what would be a average price to have it professionally installed?

[japarker11]

We are trying to complete an install that started ten years ago????? So aside from the equipment cost above, we have backstay modification and rigging charges, mount and cable the antenna tuner, mount and power the SSB, mount wire the ground plane...remaining parts and labor costs look to be $1,200. Does not include license or Pactor modem. We are currently in analysis paralysis as Sat phones , and sat-fi tech and pricing are gobbling ssb capabilities daily.

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[carstenb]

Originally Posted by Jereth13

I am on the west coast of the USA. I am trying to find the install price, not the equipment price. I know this is varied, just trying to get an idea. If someone already has all the equipment what would be a average price to have it professionally installed?

I installed mine myself. I can give you a guess, but there are a lot of variables.

A competnen installer working on a boat that is cleared for actiion (meaning you know where you want it installed and have cleared out everything so he can get to work) and assuming you have all the materials, should be able to do this is about 2 days (big "if" here. Are you using a KISS counterpoise? running a copper weave strap to a bronze through hull? going full guns and laying a copper foil counterpoise throughtout the interior hull of the boat?)

My 2 day estimate assumes a copper strap to through hull or a KISS (not everyone believes a KISS works)
So if we say 2 days - what does he charge per hour (I don't know what west coast usa hourly charges are) and there will be some extra materials etc.

The 2 day estimate also assumes you are willing to help (there will be times/places where havng two sets of hands is big advantage)

[Emmalina]

Don't think the size or type matters. The location and type of antenna are a more valid discussion point !

[SimonV]

why are you having someone else do the install, its not complicated and doing it yourself will make fault finding later simple. my icom 802 was easy just mount the auto antenna tuner close as possible to the aerial and the radio as close to the power supply as possible. Cost = your time.

[CHM]

Agree. DIY!


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[sck5]

Here's a vote for doing it yourself with the kit and excellent instructions from Gary at Dockside radio Pactor-II/III Radio Modem sales, FCC License filing, Marine SSB & HAM Radio Net schedules &amp frequencies. . He sells you everything you need plus a very good step by step instruction book.

I did it and it took me two days. This was on a boat that already had an insulated backstay and a dynaplate installed. Gary will also give you an hour of free advice on the phone if you run into problems. Very nice guy and a sailor himself who has installed many ssb's but who no longer wants to crawl around in cramped spaces. His instruction book was good enough that I didnt need the phone advice.

[The Smokester]

Assuming you have the antenna and ground (or are using a KISS) installed on the boat, it should take a pro about a day to install the electronics. Also assumes you are mounting the control panel at the nav station yourself. In the SF Bay area this is about $1k.