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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

deck connector for mast lights

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Rex Watkins
Deckhand

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2 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/05/2007 : 09:16:19

The old 3-wire connector for the mast lighting at the deck is being replaced by a new connector. There is not enough wire protruding from the deck for a connection to the new connector. How can I access this wire from the cabin side, to connect a lead that will properly reach to the top deck?
I am a new C25 (1981) owner as of this month, and apologise in advance if this topic was already addressed elsewhere.

Thanks for your help.
Rex

wrrw

Edited by - on

djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2007 : 09:38:46

Hi Rex, I had the same problem....as did so many of us. The origanial wire was molded into the boat and I, like so many others, just ran new wire. I ran it down the port side and dove down behind the head and back through all the compartments. It is a bit of a pain, but you know what you have then. As for the old wire protruding from the deck, I clipped it as short as I could and gooped it in with the two part epoxy from WM....Cheers.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2007 : 10:14:41

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by djn
 ...As for the old wire protruding from the deck, I clipped it as short as I could and gooped it in with the two part epoxy from WM...
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
...and then, of course, disconnect the old wires from your panel. Also, be sure to use tinned marine wire, especially to that exposed connection. Then squirt some dielectric silicone into the fitting before plugging in. (Of course, being in salt water, I'm a little paranoid--maybe you'd call it anal.)

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 05/05/2007 10:15:58

Rex Watkins
Deckhand

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2 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2007 : 12:54:13

Thank you both for the advice.
I have yet to figure out how to run the wire inside the double hull with a minimum of cutting. Is that even an option? I see some other wires just follow the top of the shelf, but would prefer to bury these as well.

By the way, This is my first day on this forum, and I am very pleased to be a member of this group, as you all are so generous with your ideas and advice.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2007 : 13:34:40

Hmmm... How about through the bilge to the head? I can envision doing that in my (once-upon-a-time) dinette interior--don't know about the traditional. You might also be able to snake them under the shelf from inside the galley cabinet to the head area... Some people cut into the bulkhead under the shelves to make storage bins--you could make a cut, use it to work the wire through, and then put in a "glove compartment" or similar bin. Overhead is probably impossible--there's plywood coring in the cabintop. I doubt you could even use the old wires to pull the new ones through. The original wires were set in before the deck/cabin was joined to the liner.

BTW, welcome to the group from an alum!

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 05/05/2007 13:37:13

svmoxie
Past Commodore

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USA
331 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2007 : 14:13:11

Hey Rex....

On my 1981 here is what I did... if you can get into the port side sail lazerette in the cockpit (It's pretty tight for me but doable) and look forward you will be looking at the back of the factory switch panel. Just above that towards the exterior of the boat, you'll see where the liner and the hull are bonded and on my boat there was a channel that the wiring was run forward. The old wire is seriously bonded in place but I was able to snake a fish tape (flexible wire used by electricians) up the side of the interior liner. With a helper you might be able to find a spot in the head where you can cut an access hole through the liner to bring new wire into the head compartment. Then you attach some wire loom to the bulkhead along the edges and run it up to the underside of the deck.

Otherwise you will have to come up the "bilge" but the fish tape will help with that too.

Remember to have fun!

Clif

Edited by - on

bear_tm4
Navigator

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USA
143 Posts

Response Posted - 05/06/2007 : 13:11:16

I am doing the same project. I have not started yet. but plan to put the new connection just forward of the mast step, the current connetection is right over the bulk head, so moving to what might be better spot. I order a new mast wiring harness from CD, then new wire to run it to the panel. I am going to go thru the deck into are where portapotty/head is located,,,then to the bulk head and then down along the cabin top where the present wires run...using some new plastic wire loops n stain less screws...then to panel. Now will have steaming light, and a deck light. just going to cut the wires and epoxy over the old connection.
I hope that helps.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.