How do I run new wiring to the mast light?

[Bill]

I recently bought a catalina 22 and have been working on it. One of the problems I have run into is with the mast light. The plug that comes out of the boat (not the one that goes into the mast) has corroded and one of the wires broke off deep within the roof of the cabin. I have tried to pull it out but there is no slack. I can't find any access panels anywhere to get to the wire. I'm assuming I'm going to have to drill a hole through the roof of the cabin and run a new wire from my switchboard through the cabin and up onto the deck next to the mast. Anybody know any easier ways?Thanks,Bill Geers

 

[Phil Decker]

Same problem with C27

Same problem on my 1982 C27. Is there any alternative to root canal? How deep are the wires bedded into the top of the compression post?Phil D.S/V Catmandu

 

[Charlie - "Kestrel"]

Mast Wiring

I've re-wired the mast, but not thru the cabin yet. Its my undestanding that the Mast wires on my '86 run up the port side under the floor thru a piece of conduit that is glassed in at manufacture. The wires then loop around the keel trunk and into the mast support pipe and exit forward of the deck top mast plate. You may have to snake thru this mess unless you can see a way to bypass it. The factory way keeps everything hidden.Good luck.

 

[Garry@S/V TASHTEGO]

Cat 27 Mast Wiring

The mast wiring on my Cat 27 runs up the port side through the hanging locker then in a groove on the top of the wooden piece which holds the slides for the folding door between the cabin and the head. If you drop the folding door and the head piece you will find the wires. I refitted with a 5 conducter cable (I had to widen the groove) and a "Cable Clam" gland on the cabin top. I have conductors for the mast head light, anchor light and thetwo spreader lights. There is a circular removeable aluminum plate on the mast. I drilled a hole and put a grommet in the plate then ran the cable into the mast through the grommet. I then crimped on snap-together, bayonet connectors to the mast wiring and the cable. I put the ground wire on with opposite polarity (male connector on the mast wire and female on the cable, the other connections the other way so that I can't hook a hot wire to the ground) When dropping the mast, remove the aluminum plate (2 screws) and disconnect the wires. Make sure you label both sides of the connectors. I used yellow cable labels from Radio Shack that come with built-in cable ties.