Deck Mast wire connectors

[GeorgeH]

Wanted to replace the old mast light wires and the connectors that come out of the deck at the base of the mast but can't find anyone who sells three wire through-deck connectors. Has anyone else replaced the original wire connectors for the mast wires?

[Jerry Hammernik]

I'll be at the boat tomorrow and will try to snap some pics.

[Andy Denmark]

Check these out. Many configurations. Mount socket on deck, plug on mast wires. British Mil Specs.

www.boatwide.es/english/encatalog/dri_p ... tors.html

[psjanker]

I had the same problem looking for a "solution". I didn't like putting something on the deck to plug in given water on the deck and even so didn't find anything even close to what would be acceptable. I finally went with common trailer connections as a "temporary" solution. Very happy with it so far but still open to a better solution.

Pete

[Steve Laume]

This is a cut and paste from an earlier thread.
Steve Laume
Post subject: Re: Above deck waterproof power connectors
PostPosted: Sun 12/6/15 7:28 am
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Boat: Raven1984 Cape Dory 30C Hull #309Noank, CT
Why make the connections above the deck? This is one of the harshest environments in existence for wire connections.

On Raven, I use Blue Sea clams for the deck penetrations and then make the connections on buss bars below the deck where they are out of the weather and easily accessed. The radar buss is housed in a metal connection box mounted on the head bulkhead and the rest of the wires are on an unshielded buss bar Velcroed to the underside of the coach roof in the little access hole at the base of the mast. Those little clams are very neat and tidy as well as weather proof. It is a simple matter to break the connection and then pull the wires when the mast needs to come down. If you get a blank insert it can be put in for winter stowage when none of the wires are in place.

I always leave a good bit of extra wire in a loop so the ends can be trimmed to provide fresh conductor in the event of some corrosion at the end of the wire. This loop is tucked up and out of sight between the liner and the hull as well.

Any connector that is left out in the weather becomes a weak point in the system, Steve.