Instalation of instruments on the mast

[steveebryant]

Here is a basic question.

What is required and how dificult is it to:

1. Run wire through the mast while the mast is down?
2. Run the wire to the instrument panel?
3. Should you run the wire from the panel to the place where is will be connected when the mast is about to be stepped?
4. and then on to the pedistal?

I have never done that type of work and running from the bottom of the mast on to the instrumental panel seems like that would be pretty dificult.

Please comment on what to look out for when doing this type of work on a Hunter 30.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Ken Palmer]

Steve, I agree. Running wire inside the boat can be a challenge. This is because they build a boat in two parts, the hull, and the deck. While building a boat, it is easy for them to run the wires inside the boat. Adding them afterward might take some creativity.

Poke around and see how other wires are run. Are the between the headliner and the deck? Perhaps they go the rout of under the cabin sole. If you have access to a wire snake, that would be very helpful to get into areas that seem impossible to get to. One hint there, if there is a loop or hook at the end of the snake, either bend it straight or cut it off. If you don't, it can get stuck when you try to pull it back out (don't ask how I know that).

Do you have the instrument now? If not, you might also consider the new wireless instruments that run on solar power. From what I just read in Sail Magazine, it cost less then the Raymarine with wires.

Good luck and let us know how it works out.