Binnacle, Auto-Pilot and Mast Boot

[Randall Schmidt]

I'm becoming more of a DIY owner by necessity yet there are projects I'm thinking too challenging or time consuming for me.

I was going to have mast removed so I could fix electrical wiring and run a new VHF cable and antenna. Cost quoted $1600. Instead I'll get help and use a bosun chair. When the mast was off was a chance to replace the mast boot where I have leaks. Anyone know if I can replace it while the mast is in position?

I have a shop doing core replacement and fixing cockpit delamination. One shop says they don't remove and replace the binnacle but that needs to be done for me to get access to all cockpit surfaces to be repaired. I can do that I suppose. How hard is that to do? Also I bought a Raymarine EV-100 autopilot for my wheel based helm and an integrated Av700 Raymarine chartplotter. How tricky is that to take on?

 

[LeslieTroyer]

removing it is not hard - the hard part comes when re-installing and getting engine controls threaded up to the correct position and adjusted. I would I installed the below deck version of the EV100 - the wheel would be lots easier - just plan out all your wire runs while the Binnacle and guard are removed, running wires inside the guard for the P70 looks sooo much better than strapping to the outside.

 

[jssailem]

Leslie, wondering if you can bring the P70 wiring up the post of the binnacle guard.

 

[LeslieTroyer]

mine does come up the binnacle guard ( it is the SeaTalkng backbone) - the P70 and a pair of I70's in a Navpod. One nice thing is you can daisy chain the 70's together with short spur cables.

The backbone comes up the guard, and into the lower Navpod where I have a 5 way connecter - 1 - spur goes to the MFD, 1 spur is a N2K converter to a Fusion Remote and 1 - goes back into the guard and out the top box for the 3 70's. A blanking plug goes in the last 70, and terminator goes on the 5 way. I did run an extra 5 14ga wire into the lower Navpod - so I can later add a USB charger or ?? - I was originally thinking of a toggle for the windlass, but it was easier to do wirelessly.

I did put a wiring strip under the binnacle, so I won't need to "cut" any wires if I have to remove the binnacle for repair later.

 

[jssailem]

I would like to see your set up. Still in planning stages. Plan to install Autopilot this winter.

 

[capta]

I would think you have a tube attached to the inside of your mast that your wiring runs down inside or the wires could become entangled with halyards. Also, if not tight enough they will slap inside the mast as halyards do outside, only louder. Trust me from experience, that slapping noise is very very unpleasant when at anchor or on a mooring, for those around you.
It might be well worth the money to do this job correctly.