Mast wires through the deck options?

[fireman182]

Hello,

I'm looking at improving or cleaning up the wires from my mast that go into the deck.

The current setup seems sloppy and messy looking. What other options are available to clean it up and make it less of a trip hazard?

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by fireman182

Hello,

I'm looking at improving or cleaning up the wires from my mast that go into the deck.

The current setup seems sloppy and messy looking. What other options are available to clean it up and make it less of a trip hazard?

We just had another thread on that. A gooseneck is the best option... prettiest to have one made by a stainless fabrication shop but some use sched 40 PVC and paint that.

[AKA-None]

I’ve used sealed chassis connectors which are working for me so far

[slug]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

We just had another thread on that. A gooseneck is the best option... prettiest to have one made by a stainless fabrication shop but some use sched 40 PVC and paint that.

Yes , those type fittings are the most effective and long lasting

https://www.seascrew.com/browse.cfm?CABLE-GLANDS---THROUGH-DECK-STAINLESS-SWAN-NECK-&l=0000000668

If you do some googling you can find addition small craft cable pass thru swan necks

Mount the pass thru aft of the mast
Once cables are run fill the void in the neck with grey plumbers putty to ensure a watertight installation

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/stero-0p-571878-sealing-putty-1lb/HPP571878.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&ut m_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl7Xz0p qg6QIVE4nICh1R1QayEAQYAiABEgLbl_D_BwE

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by fireman182

Hello,

I'm looking at improving or cleaning up the wires from my mast that go into the deck.

The current setup seems sloppy and messy looking. What other options are available to clean it up and make it less of a trip hazard?

Routing


1) You can use a gooseneck as suggested upthread
2) You can route the cables through the mast step with connectors stuffed into the bottom of the mast. More fiddly to step and unstep but a neater appearance with fewer trip hazards
3) You can use modern, miniature, weatherproof connectors. One connector can be mounted to either the mast or the deck, and the other then would mate with it.


Connectors


Connector wise for 12v power and Ethernet look at the M8 and M12 series ISO circular connectors. There are many alternatives with various power ratings and networking speeds, up to gigabit ethernet


For VHF you can use TNC connectors which are smaller and more weatherproof than the customary PL259 "UHF" connectors. N connectors work just as well but they are larger


All of these are available in bulkhead (mountable to deck or mast) or cable mount variations


There are many other alternatives but these are the small, weatherproof, and easy to mount

[fireman182]

Great ideas, Thank you!

Now if only I am allowed access to my boat this season.....

[Redline452]

Originally Posted by fireman182

Hello,

I'm looking at improving or cleaning up the wires from my mast that go into the deck.

The current setup seems sloppy and messy looking. What other options are available to clean it up and make it less of a trip hazard?

You have the right stuff, but used incorrectly. I have three of the large CableClam feedthroughs for seven of the nine cables in my mast. The great part about those fittings is that the plugs and connections remain INSIDE the boat - the hole in the base is large enough to accept a PL259 coax plug, radar cable connector, and/or a bunch of spade connectors. The large fitting can accept multiple cables; I have three in each of two, and the radar cable alone in its own.


I splurged and bought an extra set so as to have the top half and an undrilled rubber plug for when the mast is down. Wish they sold them that way, but no. Still very happy with the result, outside is neat, inside dry as a bone, and no corrosion on connectors or wires.



(first attempt at posting a photo - the line with the blue tracer was my daughter messing around, I should take a new photo some day)





https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rAG...ew?usp=sharing




Of course, if your mast cables need to be long enough to reach down through the cable gland...

[Reefmagnet]

If you go the goose neck route, fabricate it as a "U" instead of an "J". That way, it's less of a toe ripping, line catching hazard.

[Mike Banks]

I modified a plastic dorade box ventilator. I think it cost ten bucks with fitting screws.

[slug]

Originally Posted by Reefmagnet

If you go the goose neck route, fabricate it as a "U" instead of an "J". That way, it's less of a toe ripping, line catching hazard.

Bad idea

The minimum cable bundle bend radius is 5 times cable bundle diameter

Additionally the cables must exit the J and not be able to touch the deck

A properly Designed J matches its ID with its overall proportions

[Reefmagnet]

Originally Posted by slug

Bad idea

The minimum cable bundle bend radius is 5 times cable bundle diameter

Additionally the cables must exit the J and not be able to touch the deck

A properly Designed J matches its ID with its overall proportions

I dunno, doesn't look like a problem to me...

[fireman182]

Originally Posted by Redline452

You have the right stuff, but used incorrectly. I have three of the large CableClam feedthroughs for seven of the nine cables in my mast. The great part about those fittings is that the plugs and connections remain INSIDE the boat - the hole in the base is large enough to accept a PL259 coax plug, radar cable connector, and/or a bunch of spade connectors. The large fitting can accept multiple cables; I have three in each of two, and the radar cable alone in its own.


I splurged and bought an extra set so as to have the top half and an undrilled rubber plug for when the mast is down. Wish they sold them that way, but no. Still very happy with the result, outside is neat, inside dry as a bone, and no corrosion on connectors or wires.



(first attempt at posting a photo - the line with the blue tracer was my daughter messing around, I should take a new photo some day)





https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rAG...ew?usp=sharing




Of course, if your mast cables need to be long enough to reach down through the cable gland...

I have my mast removed every season for winter storage.
Below deck the wires are hidden under cabin top panels.

Its a huge pain to take apart the ceiling to access the wires.

This is the previous owners design, so I'm guessing thats the logic for the wires to be disconnected above deck

[Sailorman4009]

Here is how I did my Cabling 9 Cables total.

I built a flat ceiling box for disconnects inside the boat. No leaks or drips. Easy to disassemble for mast removal.

I live in Oregon and it rains 9 months of the year. It works.