Nice work so far!
On my 25 the wiring was ran in the corner where the bulkhead met the cabin top but it was literally an unsealed hole in the cabin top. I ended up putting a deck connector (practical sailor has an article with testing of many connectors). where the hole was. I can recommend a few if you're interested
I found most of the wiring to be in good shape when I stripped it. If this is the case, I'd splice it with new cabling to go through the deck. I'd be happy to share some tips for a long lasting repair when you're ready. There are multiple ways to trace the wiring. Chances are that the mast wiring is dangling in the cabin, close to the hole. There will likely be three or four wires. Figure out which one is ground. Then connect a test light or similar device to measure voltage. Connect the ground and one wire at a time and have someone flip the switches on and off until you find the right one. Label the wire and repeat.
@Timm R Oday25 Would you be able to see what colors are on your wiring leading to your mast?
I'm sure someone will chime in with the correct answer but I'm curious if pure glass and mat would be too brittle for the mast step. My Catalina 30 had about a 1/2" of glass on top of the wood. On the other hand, cored decks weren't a thing until C&C did this to their race boats. Prior to that, decks were solid glass so I suspect that solid glass would be fine for you.
The composite stuff is great but very expensive. A well done balsa repair will outlast the boat
On my 25 the wiring was ran in the corner where the bulkhead met the cabin top but it was literally an unsealed hole in the cabin top. I ended up putting a deck connector (practical sailor has an article with testing of many connectors). where the hole was. I can recommend a few if you're interested
I found most of the wiring to be in good shape when I stripped it. If this is the case, I'd splice it with new cabling to go through the deck. I'd be happy to share some tips for a long lasting repair when you're ready. There are multiple ways to trace the wiring. Chances are that the mast wiring is dangling in the cabin, close to the hole. There will likely be three or four wires. Figure out which one is ground. Then connect a test light or similar device to measure voltage. Connect the ground and one wire at a time and have someone flip the switches on and off until you find the right one. Label the wire and repeat.
@Timm R Oday25 Would you be able to see what colors are on your wiring leading to your mast?
I'm sure someone will chime in with the correct answer but I'm curious if pure glass and mat would be too brittle for the mast step. My Catalina 30 had about a 1/2" of glass on top of the wood. On the other hand, cored decks weren't a thing until C&C did this to their race boats. Prior to that, decks were solid glass so I suspect that solid glass would be fine for you.
The composite stuff is great but very expensive. A well done balsa repair will outlast the boat
