Fretting in advance

[Judith]

Warren and I hauled Morveren in April and, so far, have checked several small items off our list, plus one Big One (rudder repair, with the invaluable advice and encouragement of OJ ).

On to the next 'biggie': replacing (and mostly re-routing) all the mast wiring + coax cable. We're close to being finished with our inside-the-boat section, so we examined the in-mast wiring yesterday. The good news is the existing wires are bundled to slugs in internal tracks (always did wonder why we never heard anything slapping around in there). The bad news is those slugs probably haven't moved since the day they slid into place, and they don't appear inclined to move NOW--at least, not in response to our preliminary tugging (admittedly, somewhat tentative).

If we have to launch a full-out assault on reluctant slugs. . .can anyone suggest what that assault might BE? Any thoughts/tips on freeing-up, cleaning, or lubricating the slugs and/or track?

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Judith

[The Patriot]

... The good news is the existing wires are bundled to slugs in internal tracks (always did wonder why we never heard anything slapping around in there). The bad news is those slugs probably haven't moved since the day they slid into place, and they don't appear inclined to move NOW--at least, not in response to our preliminary tugging (admittedly, somewhat tentative) ...

I always thought that this small track inside the extrusion was one of the better ideas incorporated into many of these boats. In fact many years ago I ordered spare slides from the CD factory just in case. But back to your situation.

Although this is obvious and I am sure you have already considered it, make sure that ALL of the wires in the bundle have been freed from their corresponding points of attachment at the lights (or instruments if fitted). This is especially the case halfway up the mast where the steaming and deck lights are fitted. On many boats this was or is a three conductor wire with one ground and two positives, one for the deck light and the other for the steaming light.

Another thing to check is that the bundle itself is free near the masthead fitting (which I presume you have already removed). Often the bundle is secured at the masthead fitting to hold the weight of the bundle up and keep the strain off the wires themselves where they exit the extrusion to go to the VHF antenna and any masthead lights or instruments fitted. So if you haven't removed the masthead fitting (or "truck") that is something to do.

Once you have made certain of these possibilities, you can pretty much just yank away, since there is little likelihood that something else might be holding the wire bundle. You obviously don't care about the old wiring, and I cannot see how you will damage the slides themselves.

[Cathy Monaghan]

Hi Judith,

Armand is correct. Check the wiring that goes to the spreaders or mid-mast for the deck and steaming lights and make sure they're disconnected and, most importantantly, attach messenger lines to them BEFORE removing the wires -- that goes for all the wires in the mast. Also, there should be a compression fitting near the masthead and another near it's foot. It is essentially a tube with a bolt through it. Make sure the wiring that goes all the way to the masthead isn't secured to it, same for the one at the bottom.

Once you remove the wiring, it's a good idea to clean the inside of the mast. It isn't easy but if you can situate the mast so that it's lying on an incline, you can spray the inside of the mast from the high end and let the water run out at the low end. Use soap if you can. Keep rolling the mast over so that you can get all surfaces, especially the wiring conduits. That'll make it easier to reinstall the wiring.

Use new sail slugs or clean the old ones. I guarantee they are coated with crud.

Cathy
CD32 Realization, #3
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay

[marka]

When I replaced the mast wiring on Linda Jean, I had our local sail maker make up 2" pieces of luff tape with a grommet in each. The luff tape fits in the groove and I tie wrapped the wiring through the grommets.

It was inexpensive and effective.

with respect to freeing up the old slugs, I second the notion of soap and water.

[tartansailor]

I second the soap & water.
In addition a power washer does a fantastic job of cleaning out the
grooves.

Dick

[Judith]

We'll give it a go, then, with some hearty yanking and a good dose of soap and water.

For the record, we had removed the steaming/deck light fixture, as well as the 'truck', and there is indeed some noteworthy crud. I seem to recall someone lubing/cleaning the external luff groove by hoisting a soaked rag through it; that might be useful for the internal track, too.

Your advice is appreciated.

Judith

[Sea Owl]

Judith;

BEFORE you start yanking, recommend you attache a 'messenger' line as we used to say in the communications business. This can be attached to the new cable, and used to pull it back in place. You may have already thought of that, but just in case....

In fact, I would recommend a messenger line for each seperate cable, since they won't all go to the top of the mast.

Good luck!

[Judith]

That's a big "Absolutely!!" on the messenger lines--they are definitely in our plans!

It's good of you to think of it. Thank you

Judith