In article , Larry wrote:
" wrote in
roups.com:

I have a Corsair marine F28R with a carbon fiber mast. Can I mount an
antenna inside the mast? The reason I ask is I have already lost 2
stainless whips, and the end of the mast already hangs about 6 feet
over the back of the boat when trailering, and so I'm not sure I want
to add another 4 or 8 feet to that for the radio antenna.



Nope...Put it out of your mind. Carbon fiber is made of carbon, the stuff
used to make RESISTORS. The mast absorbs RF energy and converts it to
heat. Any energy so converted is simply lost. At least an aluminum mast
REFLECTS RF energy...(c;

I once painted black the coil of a CB antenna. Didn't work.
I found out not all blacks are the same. Some conduct electricity.

I think PVC is also a lossy material.

greg