1986 Hunter 23 mast light connector?

[Andrew125i]

Hello all,
I have found myself in a bit of a predicament. The connector that I’m assuming powers the lights on the mast of my boat has corroded and broken off from inside the cabin. I’d this a common issue? How would I go about replacing it? I can attach some pictures of the issue tomorrow. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[jssailem]

Pictures will help us help you.

 

[Andrew125i]

Here are those pictures (I decided it was important enough for a late-night adventure)

 

[Davidasailor26]

That looks more like a VHF radio connector than lights. I think the connector type is PL-259 and the usual installation method includes soldering the connector to the wire. I have not done that myself so you may be able to find more details in the archives or from others here that have done that. If the end of the wire is corroded it’d be best to cut back to fresh clean wire, if you have enough wire length to do that.

 

[kappykaplan]

That looks more like a VHF radio connector than lights.

 

[jssailem]

Andrew. The cable is coax. A single solid copper core wire, surrounded by a white insulator and sometimes a foil wrap. There is a braided wire wrap, covered with a plastic outer cover.


The corroded connector you are holding looks like this when new.

This type of cable is used for your VHF radio. It will not transmit without the antenna connected. It will damage the radio if you attempt to transmit in this condition.

You are looking for two wires (red and black - sometimes yellow) that provide power to your lights.

 

[Andrew125i]

That actually makes way more sense! I was confused when I saw the inside of the wire. Are there not more modern VHF radios that don’t require an antenna on the mast? Is there a way for me to get a new radio and scrap this assembly all together?

 

[kappykaplan]

Are there not more modern VHF radios that don’t require an antenna on the mast?

A hand-held VHF radio doesn't require an antenna on the mast, but you won't get the same range with the radio.

 

[jssailem]

Simple answer yes. Your on an inland lake or river reservoir, is that correct? VHF radios are line of sight. You likely don’t need to call out across 20 miles of open ocean. You can use a hand held VHF radio. They have good chargeable batteries these days, or you can get one that uses AA batteries. If you want a radio in the cabin, then you will need an antenna. It can be located on the stern pulpit instead of the mast.