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C 25 Very short wires to new deck connector

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Sailingoldsailor
Deckhand

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USA
13 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/18/2018 : 09:03:45

I am replacing the deck connector on my 1984 C 25 and found VERY short wires in the access (1/4"-3/8").
Any clever ways to make the connection with the Catalina Direct 4 pin chrome brass fitting? It uses TINY philip head screws that lock in the bottom plate. Have managed to only lock in one of the boat wires at a time. VERY frustrating!

I am considering soldering a short pig tail to existing deck wires, then attaching to fitting. Not enough room for crimp connectors. Plan to bend into a small circle then cover with heat shrink tubing and push below 1/2" opening in fiberglass deck.

PLEASE HELP any better ideas? Have you ever done this? What are the pit falls other than totally rewiring?

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3754 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2018 : 10:44:22

That works, I did the same thing

Dave B. aboard Pearl
1982 TR/SK/Trad. #3399
Lake Erie/Florida Panhandle

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1889 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2018 : 19:41:27

I agree with the solder on a short extension approach. I've done similar repairs to the one cabin light circuit I haven't yet replaced in my C25. I totally rewired my mast lights, from masthead, to deck connector, to circuit breakers and switches, to batteries on both my C25 & C22.

Way back when I did the C25, I installed some huge gauge wire, like #14 I think, because I was installing incandescent bulbs. When I rewired my C22 this year, I used lighter wire, knowing it would have only LED lights.

I still haven't done a very good job of hiding the mast wiring in the head compartment of the C25. For the C22, I found some aluminum channel with snap-in plastic cover which did a rather clean job of securing the overhead runs of wiring in the cabin, if I do say so myself.

-- Leon Sisson

� Leon Sisson

WesAllen
Navigator

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USA
222 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2018 : 07:57:24

I also extended the wire. Good thing because I have since replaced the connector a second time.

Wesley Allen
"Breaking Wind"
1982 C-25 SR/TR/SK #2773
Hemlock, MI

Edited by - WesAllen on 07/19/2018 08:00:34

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1889 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2018 : 15:08:42

Re: "I have since replaced the connector a second time."

I haven't been impressed with the thru-deck electrical connector originally used on the Catalina 25 (and 22). I replaced mine with the 5-wire Aqua Signal Watertight Cable Outlet and Plug Assembly, part #80100-7. About my only caution regarding the Aqua Signal connector assembly is to minimize the chances of a flailing jib sheet or other line to get snagged under the horizontal part.

-- Leon Sisson