Access behind panel betw galley and head?

[daybyday]

Spring is around the corner and I would like to inspect the wiring that goes up the mast. Actually, I know that the coax is shot, but no matter, as I also want to install a new light above the fold down galley table. That would be on the paneling that separating the head from the galley.

How do I gain access to the space within this panel? It's to the port side of the spot just under my deck stepped mast. I see bolts through it, but they are obviously structural, and I am certain they are holding the chain-plates in place. Do I just search for screw plugs at the corner of the door frame? It's a mystery to me.

I looked for a prior posting on this subject. Sorry if I missed it. I'm sure this question must have come up before.

 

[DanM]

Day,

On my '85 boat the compression post is basically a teak box and to gain access to it you would pull out the bungs, remove the screws and open it up. However I would only do this if your mast is down.

The port bulkhead on my boat is one big piece of teak plywood and the wires for the light that shines down on the saloon table go through the bulkhead into the head and then continue over to the port side of the head behind the cabinet where they are tied into the cabin lighting circuit.

Hope that helps some, replacing that light was pretty straight forward once you start tearing into it.

Take care, DanM.

 

[rbmcintire]

Replacing the light fixture is straightforward. Undo the screws and you will see the wiring you'll need to make your connections. There's enough slack for whatever you have to replace it with. The mast wiring is a completely different project with many issues to consider. Mast wiring comes into the boat, down the post and into the bilge. But is the only malfunction the VHF? Mast lighting fixtures are working? Have a rigger go up the mast and replace the cable connector and the antenna. You research the cable type/connector, supply the materials, and the rigger charges for labor?

Rob

 

[daybyday]

Yes, there are a few problems

Replacing the light fixture is straightforward. Undo the screws and you will see the wiring you'll need to make your connections. There's enough slack for whatever you have to replace it with. The mast wiring is a completely different project with many issues to consider. Mast wiring comes into the boat, down the post and into the bilge. But is the only malfunction the VHF? Mast lighting fixtures are working? Have a rigger go up the mast and replace the cable connector and the antenna. You research the cable type/connector, supply the materials, and the rigger charges for labor?

Rob

The cabin lighting was replaced with a nasty looking fluorescent, so now all I have is two inches of leads with wire nuts. No slack is apparent, but I'll make do there for now. I put a semi temporary VHF antenna on the stern railing and I run an anchor light up the mast, so there is no emergency. As usual I need to prioritize. The present project is a new switch panel, replacement bilge pump wiring, second bilge pump, then a brief haul out for hull painting.

It's a never ending struggle.

 

[rbmcintire]

The two inches is enough. It will conceal within the base of the new fixture. Maybe a block of teak to cover over the flourescent fixture's holes? Good call on the rail antenna and bilge priorities. It's way more important to get that baby on the water.

Rob