wires stuck in mast

[rlg]

I apologise if this is the wrong forum,

I was wondering if anyone would like to share any clever ways to retrieve what is left of my anchor lite wire that has stuck inside the mast(after I dropped it from the top). I have one broken end at the base and theres about 20ft of wire still up in there.

I have a messenger line to run a new wire but would like to get the old one out first if I can.

the boat is an o'day 40btw

Thanks in advance
Rob

[rlg]

Not one idea out there? Not only do I drop the wire like a dope, I humiliate myself by admitting it looking for advice...

[daddle]

Simply unstep the mast and work on it horizontally at ground level. That is the price you pay... It's yachting, it's expensive. It's probably overdue for maintenance anyway...

[TexSail]

A fish tape (electrician's tool not fishing tackle) would probably get it out. Borrow one or pick up a cheap one at Home Depot. Don't beat yourself up, we have all done something along the same vein. Good luck.

[rlg]

Thanks, Ill look into that.
Would that go in from the top of the mast?
Im only a little worried of catching the wrong wires.

[donradcliffe]

Been there done that, ran a new wire and waited until I pulled the mast to fish the old one out.

[sailr69]

is the wire loose or fixed on a groove with slides? is the mast opened enough to drop a weight and fish line down? are you working from the masthead? may try fastening a snag hook on a internal haliyard and try pulling it back up?

[Ray4Man]

Try a plumbers snake. You might be able to snag the wires with the twisted coil spring on the end of the snake. You will likely have to step the mast and build some kind of a brace from 2X4"s for it to rest on the stern. Good luck and let us know if you've had any luck.

[DeepFrz]

I think the fish hook with weight attached is your best bet but it may end up getting snagged and you will then have two things stuck up the mast.

[rlg]

Originally Posted by donradcliffe

Been there done that, ran a new wire and waited until I pulled the mast to fish the old one out.

I think this is whats going to happen. I thought there might be a trick or some rig....

Im afraid to fish for it too much because of the other wires in there.
I have the end at the bottom,its just stuck up there a ways

thanks for the responses, ill post if I get lucky

[rlg]

Just an update:

Messenger line broke. I got an electricians snake, sent it up from the bottom, after about 15 ft, I feel it hit a mass of wires. I can feel the weight of it pushing on the snake. I can "lift" the mess with the snake, bounce it around, even get thru it but..
I cannot catch the wire! Very frustrating. Im going to quit for a while before I screw things up worse.

Thanks for the help though

Robert