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.
Good Day, I purchased a 2001 Catalina 250 with wing keel in January. The previous owner had been wiring the mast lights eevery time he stepped the mast. The fitting on the deck is missing the four female connector there are yellow, red, orange and blue coated wires and few strains for bare wire. Is the bare wire a ground? Can I install a new watertight deck connector from West Marine with just the four color coated wires? Thank you. Wye Knot
I just did this. Installed the 4-pin from West Marine and it worked fine. I had to run some new wires, though.
Tip: wire it up and test with your mast down. Get all the wires sorted how you want them and connected and tested before you raise the mast, it is easier to figure that way.
I replaced mine a couple of years ago and also replaced the mast light bulbs with LED bulbs, except the steaming light. I should have also changed the steaming light bulb. Now I can only run one light at a time. I think it is because of the common ground used for all the lights. Next time I have the mast down I will replace the steaming light bulb with an LED bulb and see if that corrects the issue. Because I have a 30 AMP alternator on the engine I thought the steaming light would not need to be changed. I did check them before the mast was re stepped but only one at a time.
1988 WK/SR w/inboard diesel Joe Pool Lake Hobie 18 Lake Worth
Life is not a dress rehearsal. You will not get another chance.
After replacing the original round 4 pins several times on boats I finally switched to the flat 4 pin trailer connectors - much better contact and corrosion resistance, no more issues; thumbs up for LED lights outside and in the cabin.
After replacing the original round 4 pins several times on boats I finally switched to the flat 4 pin trailer connectors - much better contact and corrosion resistance, no more issues; thumbs up for LED lights outside and in the cabin.
thats a good cheap idea. I have a mac26 in the drivewa, that im helping a friend fix up. that would be a good cheap solution for his light issues.
Andy, how did you extend and crimp the wires for the trailer receptacle on the cabin top? And how did you fill the hole around the wire? Did you use some kind of grommet to fill it or use a dab of Marine Tex?
Bruce Ross Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032 Port Captain — Milford, CT
Clamshells would work for the deck pass through I think a couple of wraps of self amalgamating tape over the joint would make this one of the better of many ideas I've come across on this forum. I would probably use adhesive, heat shrink splices tucked into the mast for the other end.
Dave B. aboard Pearl 1982 TR/SK/Trad. #3399 Lake Erie/Florida Panhandle
I've thought about doing this for a couple of years using the clamshell fitting and making the connection inside the cabin. But since I haven't been out in a couple of years it's been on the back burner. :)
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.