Best 4 PIN thru-deck electric connection for mast?

[Carl Wonderful]

I've looked at tons of them after ordering the plastic one from C.D. cause that's all they had at the time. Just doesn't do it for me.... and having a hard time finding one that seems like it will actually work and last. Don't really care how it looks and have no real size restrictions.

Going on a c22 with a 4/16 wire run.

I'm open to diy options as well, doesn't need to me a manufactured specific part.

 

[JoeWhite]

https://www.westmarine.com/search?q=4+pin+deck+mounted+plug&lang=en_US&_gl=1*hbzs6y*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI75D__5TdlAMVgCZECB3WAwqeEAAYASAAEgJiM_D_BwE

Here is what I use

 

[Carl Wonderful]

https://www.westmarine.com/search?q=4+pin+deck+mounted+plug&lang=en_US&_gl=1*hbzs6y*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI75D__5TdlAMVgCZECB3WAwqeEAAYASAAEgJiM_D_BwE

View attachment 237933
Here is what I use

How do you like it. [Wish west marine would have more photos on their products.] Hard to tell from just one photos on there.

Do you epoxy the walls of the hole for it to seal the deck?

 

[JoeWhite]

There is a rubber washer included that you can place on the deck then screw down the lower part with female pins. The rubber washer makes the base water proof. It is visible in the image above. When you unplug the male part, then use the cap that is secured with a chain to cover the deck portion opening to prevent water intrusion The male portion with polarized pins fits only one way is screwed on from the top and it too is water proof. This male and female 4 pin plug is made out of metal.

I use this plug to connect a wired remote switch to control the windlass motor from the cockpit.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Watertight Connector Test - Practical Sailor

I was surprised at the quality of the Szjelen connector. It was much more robust than I expected. Zero issues with it for the three years that I had it

 

[danooxnard]

This is great connector, but be careful not to strip out the very small phillips head screws that hold the wires in place. Also be careful not to drop the screws, after one bounce they will disappear into another dimension making them hard to find! Dano

 

[Maine Sail]

I prefer Deutsch DTP. You just need the right crimp tool.

Deck Side - DTP04-4P-L012

Mast Side - DTP06-4S-E003

 

[Project_Mayhem]

You might also be able to buy the DTP connectors with pigtails attached. Quality will vary as there are a lot of Chinese vendors making knockoffs

 

[Carl Wonderful]

There is a rubber washer included that you can place on the deck then screw down the lower part with female pins. The rubber washer makes the base water proof. It is visible in the image above. When you unplug the male part, then use the cap that is secured with a chain to cover the deck portion opening to prevent water intrusion The male portion with polarized pins fits only one way is screwed on from the top and it too is water proof. This male and female 4 pin plug is made out of metal.

I use this plug to connect a wired remote switch to control the windlass motor from the cockpit.

Appreciate the break down. I think that will work well. One thing, can you explain what the "female pins" are?

 

[kappykaplan]

One thing, can you explain what the "female pins" are?

The female pins are actually receivers for the male pins - but you knew that!

 

[JBP-PA]

How do you like it. [Wish west marine would have more photos on their products.] Hard to tell from just one photos on there.

Do you epoxy the walls of the hole for it to seal the deck?

You should always seal the hole in your deck with epoxy if it is cored with balsa. Every rubber gasket/goop will eventually leak.

I stongly dislike that Sea Dog and the Sea Dog look alike connector, and yet that is what I currently use. The tiny screws are a pain, strip easily, tends to leak, and corrode quickly (and I'm in fresh water). I have an aircraft type connector, but it is more difficult to install and I keep putting it off.
Looking forward to anyone who has a better alternative.

 

[Carl Wonderful]

The female pins are actually receivers for the male pins - but you knew that!

I figured so much...just haven't seen those on these connectors before so trying to picture them on this setup. Sorry I guess I'm very detail oriented when it comes to stuff like this.

 

[Carl Wonderful]

You should always seal the hole in your deck with epoxy if it is cored with balsa. Every rubber gasket/goop will eventually leak.

I stongly dislike that Sea Dog and the Sea Dog look alike connector, and yet that is what I currently use. The tiny screws are a pain, strip easily, tends to leak, and corrode quickly (and I'm in fresh water). I have an aircraft type connector, but it is more difficult to install and I keep putting it off.
Looking forward to anyone who has a better alternative.

Yeah, it was the 3 or 4 deck screws that worry me the most. Feel like there has to be a better way to secure these connectors.

 

[JBP-PA]

Yeah, it was the 3 or 4 deck screws that worry me the most. Feel like there has to be a better way to secure these connectors.

I fill the whole area with epoxy out past the screw holes. I don't cut it all out, but use the bent nail trick to remove the core.

Ream Out Balsa Core with a Bent Nail

Damaged or rotted balsa core should be removed before installing hardware. An easy way to do that is to bend a nail, about a quarter of an inch up from the t...

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