How to Install Counterpoise in a Wood Hull

Marine single-sideband (SSB) radio systems require a grounding surface, known as a counterpoise, to function correctly. Unlike dipole antenna systems, monopole SSB radios require a grounded area to "push" the signal off of. The water your wood hull boat sits in is an excellent reflective surface for radio frequency (RF) signals; the trick is to connect the water to the radio system's ground. To do this, you need at least 100 square feet of RF ground surface beneath the water line of your boat. A counterpoise grounding system isn't difficult to install, but it is time-consuming. In most cases, plan to spend a day or two routing copper grounding foil throughout your boat's wood hull.

Things You'll Need

  • Copper foil, three-inch width
  • Marine grade adhesive
  • Steel hose clamps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start the copper foil ribbon or tape inside the hull, below the water line. The foil doesn't have to contact water; as long as it's below the water line, the RF signal won't know the difference. Use a marine grade silicone adhesive to attach the foil to the wood hull. Start the foil in an open area of hull if possible, where you can lay several rows.

    • 2

      Begin new rows along the hull by folding the foil ribbon over itself and simply pulling it back in the opposite direction. Keep the rows no more than three inches apart. Do not lay foil in bilge spaces.

    • 3

      Run the foil tape to metallic contact points on your wood hull, once you've applied as many rows as possible in open spaces. Do not cut or crush the tape at any point. Attach the tape to metal contacts using steel hose clamps. Many wooden sailboat hulls feature an encapsulated lead keel; connecting an internal keel bolt to your system is all you need to do in this case. Possible contact points on power boats include metal fuel and water tanks, through-hull interconnects like transducers or steering links, metal oil pans and the engine block itself.

    • 4

      Include all other RF systems on your boat in the ground system. If your boat has LORAN, GPS or radar, run the copper foil to ground attachments on their transceivers. Do not wind or roll the foil. Make several one-inch folds in the foil, then run the ground attachment's mounting screw through the folds to secure it in place.

    • 5

      Terminate the copper foil ribbon at the grounding terminal on your single-sideband radio. Make several one-inch folds in the ribbon, then run the grounding terminal's screw through the folded foil. Cut off any excess copper foil.