I'm installing a single sideband radio with a tuner.  The tuner needs a counterpoise, a ground which might be copper strip on the inside of the hull or the ballast.  I think the ballast would be a lot easier.

W32 Sea Breeze's hull number is WSSF01710474 and the ballast is 4" below the bottom of the hatch in the forward cabin sole, so she probably has the lead pigs and lead shot for ballast. 

Is it feasible to drill into the ballast in back of the engine and screw a bronze bolt into it, to attach the grounding strip to?  The bolt goes into lead shot ostensible encased in resin, but maybe it's loose?  Will the bolt hold OK and make a good ground?

What have other folks done for a ground for a radio tuner?

Joe Kovacs
W32 Sea Breeze

Since the ballast is lead shot encapsulated in resin, the ballast will not work, since it is no longer a single piece of metal that will serve as a counterpoise.  The copper strips inside or outside of the hull, or a Dynaplate on the exterior of the hull will work.  Another idea is to use copper strips on the underside of the cockpit floor.  You will have to disconnect the conductor if you want to open up the floor though.

I do not recommend attaching any electrical connection to aluminum fuel or water tanks, as it will surely induce electrolysis corrosion, and soon you will have a leaking tank.

Thanks for your help, guys.

I'm going to take the easy way out and install a copper strap to a thruhull to start, and go on from there.

Joe Kovacs
SV Sea Breeze